Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she had lodged a criminal complaint against an individual who groped and attempted to kiss her while she interacted with the public. The incident, captured in a viral video, was described by Sheinbaum as a criminal act, highlighting the pervasive issue of such behavior towards women in Mexico.
Expressing concern over the safety of women in the country, Sheinbaum emphasized the seriousness of the incident, noting that the man involved was inebriated. The video quickly circulated online, shedding light on the challenges women face in Mexico, a society marked by machismo and gender-based violence.
The incident has also sparked discussions regarding Sheinbaum’s security arrangements. Like her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Sheinbaum maintains a low-profile security approach and actively engages with the public, even venturing into crowds without extensive security presence.
Despite the incident, Sheinbaum reiterated her commitment to maintaining close contact with the public, stating that such interactions are essential. The man who accosted Sheinbaum was apprehended by Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada following the incident.
In response to a newspaper publishing images of the incident, Sheinbaum criticized the move, considering it a re-victimization and a breach of ethics. She demanded an apology from the newspaper, emphasizing that the use of such images is also unlawful.
The Ministry of Women, established under Sheinbaum’s administration, issued a statement encouraging women to report incidents of violence while urging media outlets to avoid disseminating content that compromises women’s dignity. Despite these efforts, feminist activists have criticized Sheinbaum for what they perceive as inadequate measures to combat violence against women, particularly in addressing femicides.
The incident comes amid heightened awareness of gender violence in Mexico, with data revealing a concerning number of femicides. Ana Yeli Perez of the National Citizen Observatory on Femicide emphasized the significance of the incident in shedding light on the daily challenges faced by women in the country.
The incident coincided with Sheinbaum’s meeting with the widow of a mayor from Michoacán state who was publicly assassinated. The mayor, Carlos Manzo, was critical of the government’s response to organized crime in the region. His widow, Grecia Quiroz, has agreed to assume his role, vowing to continue his legacy despite the tragic loss.
Authorities have taken steps to address Manzo’s assassination, arresting individuals linked to the crime and committing to ongoing investigations. The new mayor is set to receive enhanced security measures to ensure her safety.