Mexico judge orders release of two men linked to Casino Royale attack

A federal judge has ordered the release of two former members of Los Zetas, José Alberto Loera Rodríguez, known as ‘El Voltaje’, and Héctor Javier Montoya Chávez, known as ‘La Rana’, in connection with the 2011 Casino Royale attack in Monterrey. The ruling, issued by Judge Mabel Cortez Navarrete, was based on identified failures and errors in the integration of the original investigation and the collection of evidence.

The 2011 attack, which involved members of Los Zetas setting fire to the establishment, resulted in the deaths of 52 people. While the order mandates their release regarding the specific criminal case 162/2011-Ter, the individuals may remain incarcerated if they face other legal proceedings or sentences.

The decision has drawn criticism from the families of the victims. Samara Pérez, a spokesperson for the families, has called for transparency from the Federal Judiciary regarding the legal basis for the release and expressed concern that families were not informed of the decision.