A controversial documentary that cast a harsh light on the Mexican judicial system won an Emmy on Monday night.

The film, “Presumed Guilty,” showed the unjust prosecution of a Mexico City salesman, José Antonio Zúñiga, who was accused of a murder he did not commit and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

In a ceremony from the Lincoln Center, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced that “Presumed Guilty” had won the Emmy for Outstanding Investigative Journalism - Long Form.

The film captures the tireless work of defense attorneys and filmmakers Roberto Hernández and Layda Negrete, who prevailed in winning the man’s release.

In March, the film was widely released in Mexico and was immediately popular with audiences. Authorities in various levels, however, criticized it. And for a time, a judge in Mexico City ordered it be pulled from theaters.

The documentary was broadcast in English by PBS as part of its “POV” program in July of 2010.

Meanwhile in Mexico, nearly 2 million people have seen the movie, which has earned $5.8 million.

This is the latest honor for “Presunto Culpable.” It has won numerous awards, among them Best Film from the Los Angeles Film Festival, Best Documentary (Madrid), One World Media Award (London) and Amnesty Award (Copenhagen).

Source: SanDiegoRed.com