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Vicente Fox Quesada Denounces Psychological Torture of Ernesto Ruffo Appel and Demands Better Treatment

Former Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada denounced the "psychological torture" suffered by former Baja California governor Ernesto Ruffo Appel since his capture on July 17, 2026. During a meeting with media, Fox Quesada asserted that the former governor, who is accused of organized crime and fuel smuggling, has received the worst treatment a human being deserves at the Federal Social Readaptation Center Altiplano. Fox Quesada, alongside leaders from the PAN and Somos México parties, called for authorities to provide better treatment for the 74-year-old Ruffo Appel. The defense team, led by attorney Arturo Germán Rangel, announced an expansion of the legal defense to prove that Ruffo Appel did not participate in the three primary crimes of organized crime, hydrocarbon law violations, and smuggling. The defense team requested a modification of the precautionary measure, urging the administration to allow Ruffo Appel to face his trial under house arrest. Supporters and opposition leaders also suggested a temporal link between Ruffo Appel's detention and the current governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila, though this was not proven during the meeting.

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