R2 hearing planned by video from Guadalajara hospital
Original reporting: Infobae México
What happened
Infobae reports that Rafael Álvarez Ayala remained hospitalized after a canceled transfer, with his initial hearing expected remotely and 19 other detainees taken to Puente Grande.
Reporting and context
Rafael Álvarez Ayala, known as “El R2,” was expected to attend his initial hearing by video from a Guadalajara hospital after a rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure prevented his planned transfer on November 10, according to Infobae México. The hearing would examine the legality of his detention and possible charges; its exact date and time had not been announced when the outlet published on November 11.
Infobae reported that N+ had obtained confirmation from federal sources that the hearing would take place remotely. Álvarez Ayala, identified in the report as the alleged leader of Los Rs, a CJNG faction, remained in intensive care at the Antiguo Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. Sources cited by N+ said postoperative pain medication prevented him from giving testimony or appearing in person.
He was arrested on November 8 after a confrontation with Navy special operations personnel at the Sabea restaurant. Nineteen other people were detained. The deadline for determining his legal status was extended from 48 to 96 hours.
Citing earlier La Jornada reporting, Infobae described surgery for a perforated colon, a right forearm fracture and an open fracture of the left femur. The most recent medical report described him as stable under continued observation. His planned route would have taken him first to the federal prosecutor’s offices and then to Puente Grande prison, but an intensive care ambulance left the hospital without the transfer proceeding.
A federal judge granted a provisional suspension against a possible extradition to the United States on November 10, along with an order against holding him incommunicado. Infobae reported that the extradition measure prevented his surrender while the litigation continued and did not change his detention status.
The other 19 detainees were taken to Puente Grande on November 11 to appear before a judge. They included restaurant workers and members of the band Los Arras. Álvarez Ayala remained in the hospital. The report also said he faced an outstanding aggravated homicide arrest warrant issued by the First Criminal Court in Apatzingán, Michoacán.
Original reporting: Infobae México.