Elba Esther Gordillo: " I demand my rights as a citizen be respected"

Lucio R. for Borderland Beat

Update:  The court ruled against Gordillo, determining she was too great a flight risk.

A very different looking Elba Esther Gordillo, went before a judge today, via video conferencing in her hearing to determine if her request for house arrest will be approved by the court.

In fact one may argue, that the tarnished former chief of the Mexican Teachers Union, nicked named ‘La Chucky’, has never looked better.  Probably not a great idea for someone appealing to the court for compassion in  granting her house arrest,  because she is so ill.

In Mexico, those imprisoned who are over 70,  and who are experiencing serious health issues exasperated by incarceration, can apply for house arrest.  In the case of Gordillo, she has multiple high end properties to select from.  

She has mulit-million dollar properties in both Mexico and the United States in ritzy, Coronado Bay , California.  She is being tried on charges of corruption and embezzlement, but since she has not yet been convicted, her assets have not been seized, although they more than likely have a freeze placed on the properties, disallowing any sale or transfer of ownership.  At least in Mexico.

In the hearing, Gordillo asked authorities to apply the law without “political bias”, and demanded she is given respect for her rights as a citizen of Mexico.

It is the argument of attorney Hugo Sanchez, of Mexico’s Attorney General office, (PGR) that she not be granted house arrest, because she is a flight risk and is able to easily take residence in another country outside Mexico.

Sanchez argued that house arrest is not a ‘right’, and is not granted automatically, but on a discretionary basis by the court.

Gordillo appealed to the court; “I am a Mexican citizen anywhere in the world, even in the United States, my visits are that of a ‘tourist’, and have been very short. That is, I am Mexican and proud to be so, any visit to the United States doesn’t change that.”

Sanchez asserts the risk is too great to take a chance, further arguing the severity of the crimes she is charged with, which includes money laundering.

Last Friday the court decided the press would be allowed in today’s hearing, which is typically closed to the public.  (her home in Coronado Bay, California is circled in red below)