Mexico's President Files Complaint After Assault Incident
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she has lodged a criminal complaint against a man who groped and attempted to kiss her while she was greeting the public. This followed the viral spread of a video capturing the encounter.
Incident Description and Public Reaction
Sheinbaum, the first female head of state in Latin America, described the assault as a crime during her regular morning press conference. She emphasized that many women in Mexico face similar harassment.
"If this happens to the president, what will happen to all the young women in our country," Sheinbaum stated, noting that the man involved was heavily intoxicated.
The video quickly circulated across social media before some accounts removed it. Its spread highlighted the pervasive insecurity and gender-based violence women endure in Mexico's machismo culture.
Security and Public Engagement
This incident raised concerns about President Sheinbaum’s security. Like her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador, she travels with minimal protection and often interacts closely with the public.
Sheinbaum confirmed she will maintain this approach, saying:
"We have to be close to the people."
Details of the Incident
The attack occurred as Sheinbaum walked a short distance from Mexico's National Palace to the Ministry of Education. The video shows a middle-aged man placing his arm around her, touching her chest, and attempting to kiss her. She pushed his hands away before a staff member intervened.
Summary
President Sheinbaum’s experience highlights ongoing challenges of gender-based violence in Mexico and her commitment to remaining accessible despite security risks.