Judicial Election Under OAS Scrutiny; Virtual Kidnappings Increase

Mexico is at a turning point with two critical issues on the national agenda: the Organization of American States' (OAS) sweeping criticism of the recent judicial election and the alarming escalation of virtual kidnappings targeting university students.

The autonomy of the judiciary in Mexico has been the subject of significant international scrutiny, with the Organization of American States (OAS) warning that the recent judicial election "does not guarantee the autonomy or independence of the judiciary" and recommending against replicating this model in other countries. The official report of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission, published on June 6, 2025, concludes that the electoral process does not ensure the technical solvency or necessary capabilities of the individuals elected to their positions. This observation is crucial, as judicial independence is a fundamental pillar of any rule of law.

The OAS expressed "reasonable doubts" about the autonomy of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), pointing to a particular fact: six of the nine candidates with the most votes were nominated by the Executive Branch committee. This situation raises questions about the impartiality of the process and the true independence of the judges. The low citizen turnout in this election exacerbates the concern, with more than 85% of the electorate abstaining from voting. This figure not only affects the legitimacy of the process but also reflects a potential disconnection or distrust among citizens in this democratic exercise. If the public is not engaged, the legitimacy of elected officials is weakened, which can impact the application of the law and the perception of justice.

At the same time, the country faces a growing security threat: the rise of virtual kidnappings. The University of Guadalajara (UdeG) has reported 40 cases of virtual kidnappings targeting its students so far in 2025. Authorities have thwarted six of these attempts between January and June, but the overall figure remains alarming.

The modality of these virtual kidnappings involves criminals deceiving families into demanding money, using psychological manipulation and the exploitation of digital connectivity. The modus operandi includes isolating victims through threats, requesting meetings in public places to obtain photographs that are then sent to families, and interrupting communication by instructing the victim to turn off their phone or change their number. Information shared on social media is also used by kidnappers to learn the location or routine of victims, exploiting their habits and behaviors.

This evolution in criminal tactics, which exploits digital connectivity and a lack of cybersecurity awareness, means that prevention strategies must go beyond physical security. Adapting protection measures to digital literacy and launching public awareness campaigns, especially targeting young people and their families, is essential to effectively combat this emerging threat. Vulnerability lies in both physical and digital presence, as well as psychological susceptibility. The University of Granada (UdeG), for example, has implemented programs such as "Safe University," which include "Safe School," "Safe Environment," and "Safe Paths," to promote safety and a culture of reporting.