Mexico Supreme Court orders plan to fix Neza-Bordo prison overcrowding

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has ordered authorities in the State of Mexico to address severe overcrowding at the Nezahualcóyotl-Bordo Xochiaca Penitentiary Center. The Court ruled that the current level of congestion, which exceeds 200% capacity, constitutes a violation of human rights and may be equated to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Data indicates the facility, designed for 1,834 inmates, was housing between 5,116 and 5,823 people in recent years. The ruling, stemming from an amparo lawsuit filed by the Federal Public Defense Institute, mandates that state authorities develop and implement a multidisciplinary, inter-institutional plan within six months to resolve the issue.

Proposed measures include inmate transfers, facility remodeling, and the analysis of legal benefits for early release. The Court emphasized that these actions must not result in indiscriminate releases but must ensure dignified and safe conditions. Authorities are required to provide periodic progress reports to the State of Mexico Human Rights Commission and the state public defense office.