The renowned criminal lawyer Juan Velásquez passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday, October 27. The news was confirmed by the Faculty of Law of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) through a statement in which they expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the jurist.
Known also as the 'Devil's Advocate', Juan Velásquez was a prominent professional with an impeccable career. From a young age, Velásquez showed interest in law and in 1964 entered the Faculty of Law at UNAM. Later, he served as a teacher at the same institution, where he left an indelible mark.
Velásquez became famous for his clientele, which included former presidents like Luis Echeverría and José López Portillo, Olympic medalist Joaquín Capilla, muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, Cardinal Norberto Rivera, ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice, and attorneys, among other officials. This broad list earned him the nickname 'Devil's Advocate'.
Among the most notable cases in which Velásquez participated was the defense of former president Echeverría Álvarez during the trial for the student genocide of October 2, 1968, and the 'Corpus Christi Massacre' in June 1971. He also legally represented Arturo “El Negro” Durazo Moreno, former police chief under José López Portillo's government.
In addition to his work as a lawyer, Velásquez served as an advisor and lecturer at the National Defense College, was a professor at the Center for Naval Higher Studies, and was the only civilian to be decorated four times by the Armed Forces of Mexico. The Mexican Academy of Law 'Juan Velásquez' highlights the jurist's contribution to the legal and educational field in the country.
