Mexico frees official jailed in drug lord ‘El Chapo’s escape

MEXICO CITY – A Mexican court has ordered the release of a prison official jailed on charges of abetting the 2015 escape of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.”

The Attorney General’s Office did not give details on the court ruling in favour of Leonor Garcia, the ex-legal director of the top-security Altiplano prison.

But the office said Saturday it is confident in its evidence against Garcia. Her release is not tantamount to exoneration, and the office said it would study whether to refile charges.

Garcia is one of more than 20 prison officials, employees and civilians who have been charged in connection with Guzman’s 2015 escape through a mile-long tunnel that accomplices dug to the shower in his cell. Investigations have found security protocols were not followed.

Guzman was recaptured in January.

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