Background on Key Figures and Context
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, has urged Adán Augusto López Hernández, the Senator and Coordinator of Morena in the Senate, to publicly share his perspective on the appointment of Hernán Bermúdez Requena as the Secretary of Public Security in Tabasco. Bermúdez Requena currently faces an arrest warrant due to alleged connections with the criminal organization known as “La Barredora.”
Adán Augusto López Hernández served as the Governor of Tabasco during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador. His tenure saw a significant decrease in crime rates, particularly homicides. However, recent revelations about Bermúdez Requena’s alleged links to criminal groups have raised questions about his role and decisions during that time.
Sheinbaum’s Statement and Call for Transparency
During her morning press conference at Palacio Nacional, Sheinbaum emphasized that the investigations are being conducted by the Fiscal General de la República (FGR) and that her administration will not shield anyone involved.
.@ClaudiaSheinbaum consideró que el senador Adán Augusto debe ofrecer públicamente su versión sobre el nombramiento de Hernán Bermúdez Requena como secretario de Seguridad Pública de Tabasco, quien enfrenta una orden de aprehensión por presuntos vínculos con La Barredora.
— Azteca Noticias (@AztecaNoticias) February 17, 2023
“Senator Adán Augusto should share his perspective so that people can evaluate the role he played as Governor, especially in security matters. We will not protect or cover up anyone,” Sheinbaum stated from Palacio Nacional.
Sheinbaum’s Confidence in the Investigation
When asked if the allegations against López Hernández could affect her administration, Sheinbaum confidently dismissed the notion.
La Fiscalía investiga, y lo que resulte de sus investigaciones marcará el rumbo del caso. No lo creo.
— Claudia Sheinbaum (@ClaudiaSheinbaum) February 17, 2023
“The Fiscalía is investigating, and the outcome of their investigation will determine the course of this case. I don’t believe it will,” Sheinbaum asserted.
Sheinbaum’s Limited Influence Over López Hernández
Sheinbaum clarified that she has no authority over López Hernández’s decisions, with whom she had competed internally for the Morena presidential candidacy.
Yo no le instruyo nada. Él tiene su propia decisión. No se trata de una imposición, pero sería muy bueno que diera su versión para que se conozca su experiencia como gobernador, su relación con esta persona y cómo se supo de su posible vínculo con un grupo delictivo.
— Claudia Sheinbaum (@ClaudiaSheinbaum) February 17, 2023
“I don’t give him any instructions. He makes his own decisions. It’s not an imposition, but it would be great if he shared his perspective so that people could learn about his experience as Governor, his relationship with this person, and how his alleged connection to a criminal group was discovered,” Sheinbaum commented.
López Hernández’s Silence on the Matter
To date, Adán Augusto López Hernández has not publicly addressed his responsibility in Bermúdez Requena’s appointment, despite the issue being raised publicly since 2022. Intelligence reports from that year indicated possible links between Bermúdez Requena and criminal organizations, as well as alleged communications between the then-Governor and members of these groups.
Sheinbaum Dismisses Rumors of Bermúdez Requena’s Death
Sheinbaum also addressed rumors regarding the alleged death of Hernán Bermúdez Requena, the former Secretary of Public Security in Tabasco accused of connections to La Barredora and currently a fugitive.
No tengo confirmación de eso. Habría que pedir al Gabinete de Seguridad que informe si tienen datos adicionales.
— Claudia Sheinbaum (@ClaudiaSheinbaum) February 17, 2023
“I have no confirmation of that. Authorities should be consulted for additional information,” Sheinbaum stated during her morning press conference at Palacio Nacional.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the President of Mexico City, elected in 2018 and later serving as the interim President of Mexico following the resignation of the previous president in 2021.
- Who is Adán Augusto López Hernández? Adán Augusto López Hernández is a Mexican politician and Senator who served as the Governor of Tabasco from 2017 to 2021 during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency.
- Who is Hernán Bermúdez Requena? Hernán Bermúdez Requena was the Secretary of Public Security in Tabasco, appointed by former Governor Adán Augusto López Hernández. He currently faces an arrest warrant for alleged connections to the criminal group La Barredora and is a fugitive.
- What is La Barredora? La Barredora is a Mexican criminal organization known for its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and other illicit activities.
- Why is Sheinbaum calling on López Hernández to speak? Sheinbaum believes that López Hernández should publicly explain his role and decisions regarding the appointment of Bermúdez Requena, given the serious allegations against him.
