El Chapo sentenced to life in prison by US court

Mexican drug kingpin Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán [Photo:BBC]

The Mexican drug lord was convicted in February of crimes including trafficking cocaine, heroin and other drugs into the United States. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years at a New York court on Wednesday.

El Chapo spoked for 15 minutes at his sentencing—he described the U.S. government as “corrupt,” and said that he’s endured “psychological, emotional and mental torture” while in confinement at 10 South.

“When I was extradited to the U.S., I expected to receive a fair trial,” he said in Spanish. “ … and where my fame would not be a determining factor in the administration of justice.”

He described himself as a victim of “the most inhumane” conditions he’s witnessed in his life.

“In order to sleep I have to use plugs made out of toilet paper in my ears,” he said. “It’s been a lack of respect for human dignity.”

Chapo was just sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years, to be served concurrently.

“Since the government will send me to a jail where my name will not ever be heard again, I take this opportunity to say: there was no justice here.”

How’s this for a kicker?

“The United States is no better than any other corrupt country that you don’t respect,” Chapo said to Judge Cogan.

“Thank you, sir.”

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