Mexico opens new investigation lines in Ayotzinapa case

Mexican authorities have introduced four new lines of investigation regarding the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from the Raúl Isidro Burgos Rural Normal School in Ayotzinapa. Federal officials, including Human Rights Undersecretary Arturo Medina and Mauricio Pazarán Álvarez of the UEILCA, announced that a re-analysis of telephone records and documents has identified 17 new targets of interest.

One major investigative line focuses on potential links between the Guerreros Unidos criminal group, public officials, and the El Ángel funeral home, which operates under concession from the Iguala Forensic Medical Service (SEMEFO). Investigations revealed communications between these parties and discovered irregularities, including an unregistered cremation oven and the recovery of bone fragments and other biological remains. Seven individuals have already been detained and linked to the legal process in connection with this line.

Other investigative tracks include the tracking of mobile phones belonging to the students, which has led to arrest warrants for a former public servant and a municipal police officer. Additionally, authorities are investigating the concealment of videos from the Guerrero Superior Court of Justice, which has resulted in legal proceedings against a former magistrate and the arrest of former governor Ángel “N” for forced disappearance. The Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team is also participating in the investigation at the request of the victims' families.