10 · 05 · 09

Presumed Guilty shocks audience

Cindy Hawes

Lawyers Roberto Hernández and Layda Negrete, convinced of the need to change the justice system in Mexico, decided to record Toño’s case. Like so many others in Mexico, Toño spent years in jail for a crime he never committed.

Present at the screening was Alejandro Ramírez, president of FICM, who called the film “extraordinary.” He said everything possible must be done to guarantee that it is shown throughout the country in order “to change this very sad reality.”
Although trials are public in Mexico, cameras are rarely permitted during trials at the prisons. “It took one year to get access inside the Reclusorio Oriente Prison,” said Negrete. “At first we were allowed only 20 minutes to film, then little by little we made allies, especially once they saw the case lacked evidence.”

The result is a damning testimony of a system of justice, where one is “presumed guilty” and must prove their innocence. But since police must turn in their daily quota of arrests, innocent people often end up in jail. Some never leave.
Director Geoffrey Smith, who edited more than 300 hours of film, said, It’s very important that this travels outside of Mexico. Putting pressure on the government will make a difference.”