MEXICO CITY, – Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, says she fears for her husband’s life while he is imprisoned and also said she is not jealous of his relationship with Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo.
During an interview with Telemundo, Coronel — who holds dual U.S.-Mexican citizenship — said the Mexican government is treating Guzman harshly as a revenge tactic after the drug lord’s escape, which embarrassed the administration of President Enrique Peña Nieto.
The former beauty queen, who married Guzman when she turned 18 in 2008, rejected government accusations Guzman took a girl hostage while he was on the run in October and also criticized Altiplano Federal Prison officials for the manner in which they treat her husband.
“Of course I am afraid for his life,” Coronel said. “They want to make him pay for his escape. They say that they are not punishing him. Of course they are. They are there with him, watching him in his cell. They don’t let him sleep. He has no privacy, not even to go to the restroom.”
Coronel said Guzman’s friendly relationship with Del Castillo, which was revealed after the release of various text message conversations, does not make her jealous.
“I’m in love with him,” Coronel said. “He’s my daughters’ father and I believe that I have already demonstrated that I will follow him anywhere.”
Through a lawyer, Guzman recently said he is becoming a “zombie” while imprisoned due to constant roll calls that interrupt his sleep every two to four hours. Guzman also said a guard dog intimidates him and keeps him awake.
Guzman’s lawyers accuse prison officials of torturing Guzman through mistreatment, also stating they are not allowed enough access to their client to mount a proper defense.
José Refugio Rodríguez, one of Guzman’s lawyers, said he was denied scheduled access to his client without explanation on Friday, adding he will make a formal complaint to a judge. Rodríguez said Guzman has high blood pressure, constant headaches and pains to his eyes and ears while in prison.
