José María Sosa Álvarez was sentenced to 56 years in prison for the disappearance of Paulina Camargo Limón, a case dating back to August 2015. The ruling was delivered this Friday, marking a significant moment for Paulina’s family and supporters who have been seeking justice for nearly 11 years.

Paulina vanished after attending a medical appointment with José María N., the father of her unborn child, near Plaza Solé in the San Manuel neighborhood. She never returned home, prompting her parents to report her disappearance. José María N., also known as Chema, was initially arrested and sentenced to 16 years for homicide and abortion, despite Paulina’s body never being found. However, his conviction was later overturned, and he was acquitted of those charges.

In contrast, the recent sentence against José María Sosa Álvarez confirms his responsibility in Paulina’s disappearance. Rocío Limón, Paulina’s mother, expressed a bittersweet relief after the verdict, emphasizing that while justice was achieved for her daughter and the unborn baby, the pain remains. She also highlighted the ongoing search for Paulina and her child, who was four and a half months pregnant at the time.

“We managed to achieve justice for her and the baby, but this is still very painful. Today I can say the fight was worth it,” Limón said after the hearing. She acknowledged the support from friends and collectives who stood by the family, sometimes invisibly, but always present.

The courtroom atmosphere shifted to one of solidarity and hope as family members and activists celebrated the sentence with hugs, chants, and drumbeats. Yet, the reality remains that Paulina and her baby are still missing.

This case underscores the challenges faced by families of the disappeared in Mexico, where justice can be a long and painful process. It also highlights the importance of collective support and persistence in demanding accountability.

For those following this story, it’s a reminder of the ongoing struggles for human rights and the vital role of the justice system in addressing disappearances — a topic that resonates deeply with many communities, including migrants and diverse populations seeking safety and recognition.