Two Years Since Debanhi Escobar’s Disappearance: Parents Call for Justice and Accountability in Mexico

On the two-year anniversary of Debanhi Escobar’s disappearance and murder, her parents, Mario Escobar and Dolores Bazaldúa, spoke to EFE about their lack of faith in the justice system. The investigation into their daughter’s case has been ongoing since it began in 2022, with the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic (FGR) taking it on. However, despite promises from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to help resolve the case, Debanhi’s parents feel that progress has been slow.

Debanhi Escobar went missing from a party in Nuevo León, Mexico, and her body was found 12 days later in a cistern. The case drew international attention and highlighted the issue of violence against women in Mexico. Despite this attention, Debanhi’s parents have been advocating for new information to be integrated into the case file to determine responsibilities and hold those accountable for their daughter’s disappearance and murder.

As López Obrador’s term comes to an end, Debanhi’s parents fear that their daughter’s case will be forgotten. They have criticized the handling of the investigation by Nuevo León Prosecutor’s Office, alleging corruption and incompetence. Meanwhile, Debanhi’s father has become a federal deputy candidate and is pushing for legislation to address disappearances and feminicides in Mexico.

Despite facing challenges and frustrations throughout their journey to seek justice for their daughter, Debanhi’s parents remain determined to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. They continue advocating for a thorough and transparent investigation into the events surrounding Debanhi’s disappearance and murder.

The case of Debanhi Escobar serves as a stark reminder of how much work needs to be done to address violence against women in Mexico. It also highlights how important it is for authorities to investigate cases thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice.

As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th 2023 let us remember Debanhi Escobar’s story as we advocate for change towards gender equality and justice for all women around the world.