Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. As a prominent politician affiliated with the National Regeneration Movement (Morena) party, she has been instrumental in shaping policies and addressing issues within Mexico City. Her recent stance on preventive detention reflects her commitment to tackling crime and ensuring public safety.
Preventive Detention: A Necessary Tool for Sheinbaum
During her morning press conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum publicly endorsed the concept of preventive detention, viewing it as an essential tool to counteract rising insecurity and the presence of criminal groups in Mexico.
Sheinbaum’s Rationale for Preventive Detention
Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized the importance of preventive detention in light of the country’s security challenges, stating that certain high-impact crimes should retain this form of preventive measure. This approach aims to safeguard both society and judges.
Sheinbaum clarified that preventive detention, established in the constitutional Article 19 since 2019, is not automatically applied. Instead, it remains subject to judicial discretion based on evidence presented by the prosecution.
Sheinbaum’s Criticism of Opposition
Sheinbaum also criticized the opposition for resisting preventive detention without offering feasible alternatives. She reiterated that this measure is a response to the current situation and the country’s specific conditions.
Ministra Margarita Ríos Farjat’s Proposal
The comments from Sheinbaum come a day after the revelation of Minister Margarita Ríos Farjat’s proposal from the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN). Ríos Farjat suggested validating an increase in the catalog of crimes eligible for preventive detention, which was pushed by Morena in Congress. However, she emphasized that its application should not be automatic.
Ríos Farjat’s Suggestions for Preventive Detention
Ríos Farjat proposed that judges hold a hearing to evaluate whether preventive detention is appropriate, considering the necessity for caution regarding the accused.
Upcoming Discussion at SCJN
The proposal will be debated in the full SCJN on August 5. Its aim is to remove the “automatic” aspect of preventive detention and establish guidelines for its application based on exceptional principles.
Current Crimes Eligible for Preventive Detention
Preventive detention currently applies to crimes such as femicide, sexual abuse against minors, corruption, theft of hydrocarbons, forced disappearance, and using social programs for electoral purposes.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the Head of Government of Mexico City, serving since 2018. She is a prominent politician affiliated with the Morena party.
- What is preventive detention? Preventive detention is a legal measure that allows for the detention of an individual before trial to prevent them from committing further crimes or fleeing.
- Why is Sheinbaum supporting preventive detention? Sheinbaum views preventive detention as a necessary tool to combat rising insecurity and criminal activities in Mexico.
- What is Minister Margarita Ríos Farjat’s proposal? Ríos Farjat proposes validating an increase in the catalog of crimes eligible for preventive detention, but emphasizes that its application should not be automatic.
- What crimes are currently eligible for preventive detention? Crimes such as femicide, sexual abuse against minors, corruption, theft of hydrocarbons, forced disappearance, and using social programs for electoral purposes are currently eligible for preventive detention.
