Background on Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City, a prominent figure in Mexican politics. As the head of one of the world’s largest cities, she has been a strong advocate for social issues, including women’s rights and gender equality.
The Incident
Sexual Harassment Faced by Sheinbaum:
On Tuesday, Claudia Sheinbaum experienced sexual harassment while walking through the heart of Mexico City. An individual attempted to grope her and force a kiss while she was greeting supporters near the Palacio Nacional. The incident occurred as Sheinbaum was heading to a public event, interacting with citizens and taking photographs.
Lack of Security Detail:
At the time, there were no visible security agents to intervene. The perpetrator approached Sheinbaum, placing an arm around her shoulder while touching her waist and chest. He attempted to kiss her on the neck before a member of the Presidential Auxiliary, responsible for safeguarding the president, intervened. The man displayed signs of intoxication or being under the influence of drugs.
Sheinbaum’s Response:
Despite the assault, Sheinbaum responded with grace, agreeing to take a photograph with the man before patting him on the back and continuing her walk, as captured in a video.
Aftermath
Arrest of the Perpetrator:
Following the incident, authorities apprehended Uriel Rivera, identified as the aggressor. He was handed over to the sexual offenses division of the prosecutor’s office.
Statement from Secretary Citlali Hernández:
Citlali Hernández, the head of the Secretariat of Women, condemned the attack on Sheinbaum. In a tweet, she expressed her disapproval and highlighted the “machista vision” that some men exhibit when invading women’s personal space and bodies.
Contextualizing the Incident
Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Mexico:
Sheinbaum’s experience underscores a pressing issue in Mexico. According to ONU Mujeres, 70% of women over the age of 15 have experienced some form of aggression at least once in their lives. Furthermore, when including feminicides and intentional homicides, the average number of killings of girls and women is 10 per day, as reported by the United Nations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City, known for her advocacy on social issues such as women’s rights and gender equality.
- What happened during the incident? An individual attempted to grope and kiss Sheinbaum while she was interacting with supporters in central Mexico City.
- How did Sheinbaum respond? Despite the assault, Sheinbaum responded with grace and continued her walk after taking a photograph with the man.
- What actions were taken after the incident? The perpetrator, Uriel Rivera, was arrested and handed over to the sexual offenses division of the prosecutor’s office. Citlali Hernández, Secretary of Women, condemned the attack and highlighted the broader issue of gender-based violence in Mexico.
- Why is this incident significant? Sheinbaum’s experience sheds light on the prevalence of gender-based violence in Mexico, where 70% of women have experienced some form of aggression.
