Survivor's nightmare: Abuser freed as courts strip her protection

Yeritza Bautista, a survivor of two brutal attacks by her ex-partner, has reported his release from prison. Carlos Enrique Arellano Nava, initially sentenced for attempted feminicide, was freed on 9 June 2025. Bautista now fears for her life after the court reduced his sentence and lifted her protective measures. The first attack in 2020 left Bautista with severe injuries. She lost teeth and suffered jaw damage, requiring multiple reconstructive surgeries. Rehabilitation helped her regain the ability to speak, eat, and walk.

During the second assault, police arrested Arellano Nava as he attempted to strangle her. In 2022 and 2025, courts initially sentenced him to 11 years and 8 months for attempted feminicide. However, judges later reclassified the crime as domestic violence, cutting the sentence to 6 years. The court also denied Bautista full reparations and removed her protective measures. She has since demanded the dismissal of judges Blanca García Sánchez, Erika Epifanea Reséndiz Ramírez, and Rafael Inti Castillo Serrato.

Arellano Nava’s release has left Bautista without legal protection. The reduced sentence and reclassification of the crime mean he is now free. Bautista continues to call for accountability from the judges involved in the case.