US

Lawyer in Mexico argues for American woman's release from prison after drug-smuggling arrest

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In a photo provided by the Maldonado family Gary and Yanira Maldonado are shown in 2012. The arrest of Yanira Maldonado, 42, has prompted outrage in the U.S. among politicians and her family members, who say she was set up when her bus was stopped at a military checkpoint last week and authorities found nearly 12 pounds of marijuana under her seat. She was immediately sent to a Mexico prison. (AP Photo/Maldonado Family) (The Associated Press)

In a photo provided by the Maldonado family Gary and Yanira Maldonado are shown in 2012. The arrest of Yanira Maldonado, 42, has prompted outrage in the U.S. among politicians and her family members, who say she was set up when her bus was stopped at a military checkpoint last week and authorities found nearly 12 pounds of marijuana under her seat. She was immediately sent to a Mexico prison. (AP Photo/Maldonado Family) (The Associated Press)

A lawyer for an Arizona woman accused of smuggling drugs in Mexico has presented evidence to the judge in the case that they hope will prove she is innocent.

The evidence included video showing Yanira and Gary Maldonado were the last two people to board a bus and that they carried bottles of water and blankets to stay warm.

Lawyer Jose Francisco Benitez Paz says the video shows they couldn't have possibly sneaked 12 pounds of marijuana onto the bus under the blankets.

A judge could decide Friday whether to throw out the case. The arrest has prompted outrage in the U.S. among politicians and family members who believe she was set up by a smuggler.