Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced that she will press charges against a man who groped her during a public appearance. Video footage captured the moment on Tuesday, showing Sheinbaum addressing a group of supporters near the National Palace in Mexico City.
A man approached from behind, attempting to kiss her on the neck and touching her body before she quickly moved away. After the incident, which visibly shook her, the assailant was arrested.
In a news conference, Sheinbaum stated, My view is, if I don't file a complaint, what will happen to other Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country? She emphasized the need to confront the ingrained machismo that allows men to believe they can accost women, even those in powerful positions.
The incident highlights serious issues regarding women's safety in Mexico, where gender-based violence is rampant, and a staggering 98% of femicides go unpunished. Following the incident, Sheinbaum reiterated her commitment to tackling such societal problems, declaring, A line must be drawn. Women's rights groups have condemned the attack as symptomatic of deep-rooted cultural issues.
This event raises pressing concerns about security measures for politicians, especially in a country where violence against public figures is prevalent. The incident follows the murder of Uruapan's mayor, further emphasizing the urgent need for improved safety and security protocols for public officials.
Despite the risks, Sheinbaum has no intentions of altering her policy of engaging with the public directly, as she aims to foster a closer connection with her constituents while addressing the pressing concerns of violence and safety in Mexico.
