According to eyewitnesses, the man, who was visibly intoxicated, attempted to kiss and embrace the president from behind, prompting her to remove his hands and turn to face him. A government official intervened, placing himself between the president and the man, who was then steered away by state police. The president was seen smiling stiffly and saying "Don't worry" as the incident unfolded.
State police confirmed that the man had been arrested, and President Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that she would press charges. In her daily press conference, Sheinbaum stated, "This is something I experienced as a woman, but it is something that all women in our country experience. If I do not file a complaint, where does that leave all Mexican women? If they do this to the president, what do they think they can do to other women?"
The incident has sparked concerns about the president's security and the measures in place to protect her from potential threats. According to reports, the president's security detail was present at the scene but failed to intervene promptly, leading to criticism from some quarters.
The issue of sexual harassment and violence against women is a pressing concern in Mexico, where women's rights groups have long highlighted the need for greater protection and support. According to official statistics, Mexico has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, with over 3,700 women killed in 2020 alone.
In response to the incident, the Mexican government has vowed to take action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Ministry of the Interior has announced plans to review the president's security protocols and implement additional measures to protect her from potential threats.
As the investigation into the incident continues, President Sheinbaum has called on women across the country to speak out against harassment and violence. In a statement, she said, "We must not be afraid to speak out against these acts of violence and harassment. We must stand together to create a society where women are respected and protected."
The incident has also sparked debate about the role of social media in reporting and responding to incidents of harassment and violence. Many have praised the quick response of social media users who shared the video and called for the man's arrest, while others have raised concerns about the potential consequences of sharing such footage.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Mexican government has promised to provide updates on the investigation and any subsequent actions taken. In the meantime, the incident has served as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women in Mexico and the need for greater action to protect their rights and safety.
Share & Engage Share
Share this article