Guzman’s lawyers condemn treatment in Mexico jail

Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, right, is escorted by soldiers and marines to a waiting helicopter, at a federal hangar in Mexico City, Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. The world’s most wanted drug lord was recaptured by Mexican marines Friday, six months after he fled through a tunnel from a maximum security prison in an escape that deeply embarrassed the government and strained ties with the United States. AP File Photo

ALMOLOYA DE JUÁREZ, Mexico—Lawyers for recaptured Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman condemned prison authorities Friday for refusing them access to their client, after being denied permission to bring him fluffy slippers, a toothbrush and other items.

Two of Guzman’s lawyers gave an indignant press conference outside his maximum-security prison after they were not allowed to visit their client and bring him clothes and other personal effects.

READ: Mexican drug lord Chapo Guzman flown back to prison he escaped from

Lawyer Juan Pablo Badillo said he feared for Guzman’s health and safety.

“There’s a growing fear (among Guzman’s lawyers) that something may happen to him, because it’s suspicious that they won’t even let his defense attorneys look at him, ask him how he’s feeling, what he’s been through, whether he’s been tortured,” he said.

“I hold the prison directors and the interior minister responsible if Mr Guzman is the victim of any illness caused by the cold,” said lawyer Jose Luis Gonzalez, showing journalists the items he had packed in a small blue suitcase for his client.

Guzman, the kingpin of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel, escaped from the same prison outside Mexico City on July 11.

He was recaptured a week ago after six months on the run and sent back to jail— this time with two tanks posted outside and heavily beefed-up security measures.

READ: Mexican president: drug lord Chapo Guzman recaptured

Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong denies Guzman has been refused access to his lawyers, saying he met with one on Tuesday.

Gonzalez demanded proof of that.

“Not even if they had caught Adolf Hitler alive would they have done to him what they are doing to Mr Guzman,” he said in a radio interview earlier this week.