Notorious drug lord El Chapo is reportedly experiencing concerning changes in his mental state while in solitary confinement at a high-security prison in the United States, according to his former attorney.
Mariel Colón, who previously represented the ex-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, expressed worry over the deteriorating conditions El Chapo is facing at ADX Florence in Colorado. The lawyer noted significant changes in the 68-year-old’s behavior, attributing them to the severe restrictions imposed on him.
Colón disclosed in a recent statement that the confinement conditions enforced on El Chapo have become more stringent, causing her to observe unsettling alterations in his demeanor. She highlighted the lack of human interaction and external stimuli as contributing factors to his mental decline.
“The American government is subjecting him to inhumane treatment by keeping him confined in isolation without any respite. He is completely cut off from the outside world, deprived of sunlight, and spends every hour of every day alone,” Colón stated.
Furthermore, she revealed that El Chapo is restricted from accessing basic amenities such as the prison library, work opportunities, or socializing with fellow inmates. His only contact with others is limited to brief interactions during legal visits, emphasizing the extreme isolation he endures within his cell.
US authorities are reportedly maintaining strict control over El Chapo due to his history of escaping custody, with reports indicating he is allowed minimal time outside his cell each week. The seasoned criminal, convicted on numerous charges including drug trafficking and money laundering, has repeatedly sought relaxation of these stringent measures through court petitions.
The Mirror has reached out to the Federal Bureau of Prisons for their input on the matter.