Background on Adán Augusto López Hernández
Adán Augusto López Hernández is a prominent Mexican politician, currently serving as the coordinator of the parliamentary group of the Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena) party in the Senate and as the president of the Junta de Coordinación Política (JCP). His political career has seen him rise through the ranks, holding significant positions that have allowed him to shape policies and decisions in Mexico.
The Controversy Surrounding Hernán Bermúdez
Hernán Bermúdez, once appointed by López Hernández as the Secretary of Security in Tabasco when the latter was the governor, currently faces a criminal process accused of leading the criminal group La Barredora. This situation has sparked controversy and raised questions about López Hernández’s judgment in his past appointments.
López Hernández’s Response to Allegations
During a press conference to “clarify” information regarding tax payments from his legal advisory income, which totaled nearly 80 million pesos between 2023 and 2024, López Hernández was specifically asked if he acknowledged any political responsibility for appointing Bermúdez as a government official, knowing the accusations against him.
López Hernández responded by emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence, stating that he was unaware of Bermúdez’s alleged criminal connections at the time of the appointment:
“I believe that first, please remember that every individual in this country is entitled to the principle of presumption of innocence. Let me reiterate that, at this moment, I had no knowledge (of his links to crime).”
He further expressed his willingness to testify if summoned by the authorities but clarified that he would not request leave from his senator position during the investigation of Bermúdez.
As of the last update, López Hernández had not been summoned to testify in the Bermúdez case by either Tabasco or federal authorities.
President Sheinbaum’s Statement
In a separate development, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico addressed the controversy by asserting that her administration does not engage in leaking documents to target individuals.
“Past governments were known for selectively leaking documents to harm certain people. If we have any irregularities detected, they will be presented administratively to the Anti-Corruption Secretariat,” she explained.
Sheinbaum also dismissed any notion of “firing squad” against Senator López Hernández, indicating support for him within her government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Does Adán López Hernández accept political responsibility for appointing Hernán Bermúdez, who is accused of leading a criminal group?
A: López Hernández maintains that he had no knowledge of Bermúdez’s alleged criminal connections at the time of appointment and emphasizes the principle of presumption of innocence. - Q: Has Adán López Hernández been summoned to testify regarding the Bermúdez case?
A: As of the latest update, López Hernández has not been summoned to testify by either Tabasco or federal authorities. - Q: Does President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration leak documents to target individuals?
A: President Sheinbaum asserts that her administration does not engage in leaking documents to harm individuals, stating that any irregularities will be presented administratively to the Anti-Corruption Secretariat. - Q: Is there internal opposition against Senator Adán López Hernández within President Sheinbaum’s government?
A: President Sheinbaum dismissed the idea of “firing squad” against Senator López Hernández, indicating support for him within her government.
