TIJUANA – An award-winning documentary that shook Mexico for its critical look at its judicial system has received three Emmy nominations.

"Presunto Culpable" (Presumed Guilty) tells the story of a young salesman in Mexico City, Antonio Zúñiga, who was wrongly accused of murder. The documentary chronicles the poor police investigation that led to the man's 20-year prison sentence, and his attorneys' challenge of his conviction, eventually winning his release.

Days after the documentary was released in March, a judge ordered the screenings suspended after a witness portrayed in the film filed a complaint. The suspension unleashed a wave of criticism against the judge and the judicial system. Days later, however, an appeals court reversed that ruling, citing the filmmakers' freedom of expression.

On Monday, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced that "Presumed Guilty," which was aired in English by PBS as part of its "POV" program, received Emmy nominations for "Outstanding Investigative Journalism-Long Form," "Best Documentary," and "Outstanding Research."

Another Spanish-language production, the soap opera hit "La Reina del Sur," did not receive any nominations, despite its producers' public relations campaign.

The Emmys will be awarded in a nationally televised ceremony in New York on Sept. 26.

"Presunto Culpable" has won various awards, among them Best Film from the Los Angeles Film Festival, Best Documentary (Madrid), One World Media Award (London) and Amnesty Award (Copenhagen).

Andrea.garcia@sandiegored.com