Luis Fernando Sotelo Zambrano

Luis Fernando Sotelo Zambrano was arrested on November 5, 2014 (at the age of 20), near University City in Mexico City, following the Third Global Day of Action for Ayotzinapa and the 43 disappeared. During the demonstration, a Metrobús station and a Metrobús (a rapid transit bus service) were burned.

Luis Fernando was charged with several major crimes and sent to South Prison (Reclusorio Sur) in Mexico City, where for a time he was held in solitary confinement, classified by the warden as a “pyromaniac.” Three businesses and the Mexico City government claimed 13 million pesos in damages.

Luis Fernando was a student involved in various political projects, including the Ollin Meztli Collective, the ik’ otik Cooperative, the Network Against Repression and for Solidarity, and is an adherent to the Zapatista’s Sixth Declaration.

Without evidence, he was originally  sentenced to 33 years in prison [later reduced to 13 years]. A cop's statement was used to convict him. But in his first statement, he says, “I think I recognize him.” In the second, “Well, I think I recognize him more.” And in the third, “Yes, it was him.” But in reality we’re talking about the statements of someone who isn’t even sure if he saw him. He was also given a fine of 519,815 pesos which is about $25,000 USD more or less, and payment for damages of 9 million pesos, which is about $400,000 USD.

Actually he's sentenced to 4 years and 8 months, after an appeal of his lawyers. He was released on July 12, 2019.

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Saturday, November 13, 1993

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