Members of New Party Somos México Create Committee to Demand Release of Ernesto “N”
Members of the new political party Somos México, made up mainly of representatives from Mexico’s opposition, along with academics and relatives of former governor Ernesto “N”, announced on Wednesday the creation of a plural committee to demand the politician’s release after he was detained for alleged crimes related to organized crime and fuel tax fraud.
What is the committee demanding Ernesto “N”’s release?
In a statement, the political group explained that the committee is a “citizen initiative” that will “follow up on the judicial process” of Ernesto “N”, who was arrested on July 16 following a “high-complexity” investigation related to large-scale fuel theft operations.
The committee was presented by Verónica Ruffo, the daughter of the former governor of Baja California (1989-1995), who will also be responsible for coordinating this “plural, citizen-based, and non-partisan” organization, according to the statement.
“This committee was created because both personally and through the people who have supported me, we have received messages from citizens and organizations expressing their support for defending my father and ensuring that justice is done,” Ruffo said during a press conference held in Mexico City.
She also explained that one of the committee’s main priorities will be to “protect the health and human rights” of her 74-year-old father, who is currently being held at the Federal Center for Social Reintegration No. 1 Altiplano in the State of Mexico.
Along the same lines, relatives and members of Somos México stated that Ernesto “N” is being treated as a “political prisoner.”
For this reason, they said the committee will lead a national and international strategy to bring attention to the case, while promoting public actions in defense of due process and human rights.
“The political use of institutions responsible for prosecution and justice represents a risk for any democracy,” the statement warned.
Why Was Ernesto “N” Arrested?
Ernesto “N” is considered the first opposition governor in modern Mexican history after winning the governorship of Baja California in 1989 as a candidate for the conservative National Action Party (PAN).
The former official’s name emerged during investigations into the company Ingemar, which he founded and which, since 2025, has been under investigation for alleged irregularities involving fuel imports and tax evasion.
The case involving Ruffo Appel adds to a growing list of Mexican officials and former officials linked to investigations into Mexico’s fuel tax fraud network, known as “huachicol fiscal.”
Source: elfinanciero
