Morelos Criminal Lawyers Denounce SSPC Detentions

Morelos (apro) .- Penal lawyers in the state of Morelos have accused officers from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) of illegally detaining a litigant and planting evidence against him, according to a statement released by the legal professionals on April 17, 2026.

The lawyers stated that the detention was carried out without a valid judicial order and that authorities subsequently fabricated proof to justify the arrest, which they described as a clear violation of due process and fundamental legal guarantees.

They emphasized that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement institutions and called for an immediate investigation by the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) and the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) to determine responsibility and sanction those involved.

The penal lawyers further warned that these practices, if left unchecked, could encourage a pattern of abuse that threatens the integrity of the justice system in Morelos, particularly affecting individuals who lack the resources to defend themselves against arbitrary state action.

They urged judicial authorities to review the case thoroughly, exclude any illegally obtained evidence, and ensure that the detained person receives a fair trial in accordance with constitutional protections and international human rights standards.

The accusations come amid ongoing scrutiny of security operations in Morelos, where recent reports have highlighted concerns about overcrowding in state prisons and alleged irregularities in the management of public security institutions.

In February 2026, the head of the SSPC, Miguel Ángel Urrutia Lozano, disclosed presumed irregularities inherited from the extinguished State Security Commission (CES), including damaged infrastructure, missing equipment in rehabilitation centers, and a vehicle fleet described as a “cemetery of patrol cars” due to lack of maintenance.

official data from September 2025 confirmed that Morelos’ detention centers operate at 52 percent overcapacity, intensifying pressure on the penitentiary system and raising concerns about inhumane conditions for detainees.

The lawyers stressed that illegal detentions and evidence planting not only violate national law but also contravene Mexico’s international obligations under human rights treaties, potentially exposing the state to legal scrutiny before international bodies.

They concluded by demanding accountability, transparency, and reform within the SSPC to prevent further abuses and restore confidence in public security institutions across the state.