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Sheinbaum after being harassed on the street: "If they do this to the president, what will they do to young women?"

Updated

Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has filed a formal complaint, or "a lawsuit," against the man who harassed her last Tuesday while she was walking through the historic center of the capital

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.AP

The individual, who was detained, approached the president and tried to kiss her neck and hug her from behind while in a state of drunkenness, as reported by the president.

Sheinbaum explained during her morning press conference that she submitted the written complaint to the Attorney General of Mexico City and will meet with her to sign the complaint before the Public Ministry, emphasizing that this process will be carried out "without privileges."

The incident, which occurred near the National Palace as Sheinbaum was heading to the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), has prompted actions beyond the personal sphere. The president stated that this type of behavior "should not happen in our country" and stressed that "no one can violate our personal space."

The president, who recalled having been harassed previously on public transportation at the age of 12, lamented the implications of the attack: "If they do this to the president, then what will happen to all young women in our country." Therefore, she strongly encouraged other women to report these issues and not let them go unnoticed.

Despite the incident, Sheinbaum stated that she "does not plan to increase security." She affirmed that one should not deny their origins or closeness to the people, so she will not change the way she lives.

The harassment suffered by the president occurs in a context where gender violence is widespread. According to data from Inegi in 2024, the percentage of women who have experienced sexual harassment or groping is 15.5%, five times higher than that of men. Additionally, more than 70% of Mexican women over 15 years old have experienced some form of violence (psychological, physical, or sexual), with a significant underreporting rate exceeding 90% of cases.