Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her intention to file charges against a man who allegedly groped her during a public event. The incident occurred on Tuesday while Sheinbaum was addressing supporters near the National Palace in Mexico City. Video footage shows a man approaching her from behind and attempting to kiss her neck while placing his hands on her body. After the incident, which visibly shook Sheinbaum, a member of her team intervened, and the man was arrested.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum expressed her belief that if she did not file a complaint, it could set a detrimental precedent for other women in Mexico. She remarked on her own experiences with harassment, stating that she had encountered similar situations before her presidency, including during her time as a student. Sheinbaum emphasized her decision to proceed with charges partly because the man had reportedly harassed other women in the crowd.
The occurrence has sparked discussions about gender-based violence and machismo in Mexican society, where women often face harassment and violence. Reports indicate that a significant percentage of gender-based murders in Mexico remain unpunished, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing such issues. While Sheinbaum has committed to tackling violence against women, critics note that there has not been substantial progress within her administration.
This incident also raises questions about the security of public figures in Mexico, particularly in light of recent violent events, such as the murder of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, shortly before the harassment of Sheinbaum. Despite these challenges, Sheinbaum has maintained her approach of engaging directly with supporters, asserting her intention to continue this practice.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy9pgev02pno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss