140 Prisoners Freed/Humanitarian Aid to Turkey

Navy accuses authorities of freeing 140 prisoners. The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) said between 2021 and 2023, judicial authorities have freed a total of 140 people for drug trafficking and fuel theft crimes.

Minister of Navy José Rafael Ojeda said these releases have been due to a lack of knowledge of maritime legislation from judges and public ministries. SEMAR explained that so far 140 prisoners have been released. Twenty have been arrested for drug trafficking, 25 for fuel theft and 90 were accused of both crimes.  

Humanitarian Aid to Turkey. Minister of Defense Luis Cresencio Sandoval said the Mexican government has sent 150 people to Turkey to help search and rescue efforts after massive 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes.

The group called “Humanitarian Aid Forces” is composed of 90 elements of the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), 37 members of the Navy, 15 members of the Red Cross and 5 diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

At least, 5,000 people have died and 25,000 have been found injured in Turkey and Syria due to the two devastating earthquakes. In Turkey, the official headcount is 3,432 deaths and 21,000 injured people.

No final decision on cabotage services. President López Obrador said that his government is not contemplating a law initiative to allow cabotage services. 

The government keeps analyzing the measure, nonetheless, it is prioritizing the revival of the airline Mexicana de Aviación. Moreover, the president mentioned that owners of private airlines have already started a campaign against cabotage to influence public opinion.

Humberto Gual, General Secretary, Union of Air Pilots (ASPA), said that opening up Mexican airspace to cabotage would be a mistake. Moreover, he assured that although the goal is to have a decrease in air tariffs, it would not be possible due to other implemented measures like the Airport Usage Fee (TUA) which already increased in 2023.