Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City, serving since 2018. As the head of one of the world’s largest cities, she plays a crucial role in shaping urban policies and governance. Her recent actions highlight her commitment to addressing corruption allegations and defending her reputation.
The Controversy with Ovidio Guzmán’s Lawyer
Jeffrey Lichtman, the attorney for Ovidio Guzmán, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, accused Sheinbaum of having ties to drug trafficking. This public accusation prompted Sheinbaum to take legal action against Lichtman for defamation.
Sheinbaum’s Response and Legal Action
During her daily morning press conference at Palacio Nacional, Sheinbaum confirmed that the Mexico City government had filed a defamation lawsuit against Lichtman through the Presidency’s Legal Counsel. She emphasized that she possesses both moral and political authority to govern Mexico, stating, “My history speaks for me. The second point is that the lawsuit has already been filed by the Legal Counsel.”
When questioned about the legal proceedings, Sheinbaum was firm: “I’ve left it to the Legal Counsel. It’s not an issue for me anymore.”
Sheinbaum’s Stance on Drug Trafficking Allegations
Sheinbaum described Lichtman’s accusations as “unacceptable” and reiterated that her government has no connection to organized crime. She emphasized that her administration’s security policy is based on results, not rhetoric.
Contrast with AMLO’s Case
Sheinbaum’s decision to pursue legal action contrasts with former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) attempt to file a lawsuit for moral damage against César de Castro, the lawyer of former Secretary of Public Security Genaro García Luna. In 2023, AMLO claimed that De Castro attempted to link him to drug trafficking during his client’s trial.
However, AMLO ultimately decided not to proceed with the lawsuit, citing strong legal protections for attorneys in the United States, even when facing defamation claims.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the current President of Mexico City, serving since 2018. She plays a significant role in shaping urban policies and governance.
- What are the allegations against Sheinbaum? Jeffrey Lichtman, Ovidio Guzmán’s lawyer, accused Sheinbaum of having ties to drug trafficking.
- What legal action has Sheinbaum taken? Sheinbaum’s government filed a defamation lawsuit against Lichtman through the Presidency’s Legal Counsel.
- Why did AMLO decide not to pursue his lawsuit? AMLO abandoned the lawsuit against César de Castro, citing robust legal protections for attorneys in the United States.
