Yucatán leaders form committee to defend Ernesto Ruffo Appel

Public figures in Yucatán have formed the ‘Comité Plural por la Libertad’ to support Ernesto Ruffo Appel, the former governor of Baja California. Ruffo Appel is currently detained at the Altiplano Federal Social Readaptation Center, facing charges related to alleged hydrocarbon-related crimes.

The committee, which includes former Yucatán governor Patricio Patrón Laviada and former Mérida mayor Ana Rosa Payán Cervera, demands respect for due process, the presumption of innocence, and a judicial process free from political pressure. Patricio Patrón Laviada characterized the legal proceedings against Ruffo Appel as a “factions use” of justice and called for an independent resolution by the Judiciary.

Cecilia Patrón Laviada, the mayor of Mérida and sister of Patricio Patrón, commented on her brother’s public reappearance, stating his involvement is a personal decision driven by a desire to defend “just causes.” She emphasized the importance of diverse voices and the balance of power to prevent the loss of liberties under absolute government control.