'El Chapo' Authorized To Meet With His Lawyer After Complaining About Isolation And 'Psychological Torment'

Former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has been granted access to his lawyer days after complaining about being isolated in the maximum security prison he is held in.

Infobae reported that a document shared on Monday shows Guzman's lawyer, Israel Encinosa, said he has already been authorized to hold phone calls and meet in person with him.

Encinosa went on to say that Guzman's letter, which made headlines over the past days, had been sent "over two months ago." "By the time that said letter was docketed with the Clerk of Court, the undersigned attorney had already executed the SAMs Affirmation and was authorized to engage in legal communication with the Defendant, Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera."

"The undersigned attorney has been authorized to engage in on going attorney client telephone calls and personal conferences with Mr. Guzman Loera. In fact, the undersigned attorney has been authorized to meet with Mr. Guzman Loera at ADX-Florence in person. Therefore, there are no outstanding issues regard attorney client communication between Mr. Guzman Loera and the undersigned attorney," the letter concludes.

In the letter, published by journalist Jesus Garcia and addressed to judge Brian Cogan of New York's East District Court, Guzman complained about the "psychological torment" of not being able to use the phone or go outside to "take in some sun."

Guzman also said he had not been able to communicate with his lawyer for 10 months even though Encinosa had been authorized to visit him.

Guzman was sentenced to life in prison in 2019 and is currently at a maximum security facility in Colorado. He has been requesting for a new trial for years but all petitions have been rejected.

Earlier this year it was reported that Guzman is cooperating with U.S. authorities by providing information on his former associate Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, apprehended in Texas last year.

Since his arrest, which took place in July 2024, Zambada's case has grown increasingly complex, as his defense team has pursued plea negotiations in exchange for a reduced sentence, as well as guarantees that prosecutors won't request the death penalty, and protection for members of his family. Authorities confirmed last week that they won't pursue the death penalty for "El Mayo" Zambada.

But according to Mexican journalist David Saucedo, "El Chapo" is allegedly providing sensitive information about "El Mayo" Zambada's operations, financial networks and political alliances in exchange for improved prison conditions in Colorado.

"According to the latest behind-the-scenes information, 'El Chapo' has provided testimony and details to U.S. authorities about Zambada. It's a series of calculated mutual betrayals between the two Sinaloa Cartel co-founders, each seeking their own benefit," Saucedo said in an interview in May.