USA | 'El Chapo' Guzman Complains About Isolation In Prison, Lack Of Access To Lawyer: 'Psychological Torment'

Guzman said his lawyer, Israel Encinosa, has been "battling" for 10 months to be granted access to Guzman

Former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman allegedly sent a letter complaining about lack of access to his lawyer and conditions in the Colorado prison he is being held in.

The letter was published by journalist Jesus Garcia and addressed to judge Brian Cogan of New York's East District Court. In it, he complains about the "psychological torment" of not being able to use the phone or go outside to "take in some sun."

In another passage of the letter, Guzman said he has not been able to communicate with his lawyer, Israel Encinosa, for the past 10 months. He added that he hasn't been able to speak with the lawyer even though judge Cogan has already authorized Encinosa to visit him.

"I thank you for ordering that my lawyer be authorized to visit me and talk to me on the phone and bother you again to ask if you can order the government to authorize the lawyer to visit me and talk to me on the phone," the letter says.

Guzman was sentenced to life in prison in 2019 and is currently at a maximum security facility in Colorado. He has been requesting for a new trial for years but all petitions have been rejected.

Earlier this year it was reported that Guzman is cooperating with U.S. authorities by providing information on his former associate Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, apprehended in Texas last year.

Since his arrest, which took place in July 2024, Zambada's case has grown increasingly complex, as his defense team has pursued plea negotiations in exchange for a reduced sentence, as well as guarantees that prosecutors won't request the death penalty, and protection for members of his family.

Authorities confirmed last week that they won't pursue the death penalty for "El Mayo" Zambada.

But according to Mexican journalist David Saucedo, "El Chapo" is allegedly providing sensitive information about "El Mayo" Zambada's operations, financial networks and political alliances in exchange for improved prison conditions in Colorado.

"According to the latest behind-the-scenes information, 'El Chapo' has provided testimony and details to U.S. authorities about Zambada. It's a series of calculated mutual betrayals between the two Sinaloa Cartel co-founders, each seeking their own benefit," Saucedo said in an interview in May.

"I don't know if 'El Chapo' is in contact with or has sent messages to Zambada, but Guzmán is providing evidence in the case against him to obtain certain benefits," the journalist added.

Source: latintimes.com, Demian Bio, August 11, 2025

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."

— Oscar Wilde

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