**Former Deputy Linked to Process for Political Violence Against Governor: A First in Baja California**
**By Eduardo Andrade Uribe, August 21, 2024**
On Tuesday, August 20, a former local deputy from the Labor Party (PT) was officially linked to a legal process for his alleged responsibility in the crime of political violence against women, specifically targeting Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. This landmark case in Baja California marks the first instance of such a charge being formally pursued in the region.
The move to link the former legislator to the process came from a complaint filed on August 25, 2023, by Julio César Díaz Meza, the Deputy Legal Advisor of Baja California. The complaint was in response to several statements made by the PT member against the state governor.
The Control Judge of the Tijuana Judicial Party, María Elizabeth Castro Rodríguez, noted that the statements made in 2022 were significant across three different instances:
1. On January 18, the former deputy claimed that even without maternity responsibilities, the governor could not control the state administration and that she had essentially delegated power to her husband, Carlos Torres.
2. On February 7, he stated that there was a power and authority vacuum in Baja California and suggested that, like her previous leaves as a deputy and mayor, the governor had taken leave for maternity reasons.
3. On February 9, he asserted that it was Carlos Torres who was making decisions for the Baja California government.
Judge Castro Rodríguez reiterated that these statements were made within the framework of a woman’s political and electoral rights, emphasizing the importance of the right to participate in governance and hold public office. She highlighted that the statements contained elements of gender-based violence, particularly suggesting that pregnancy diminished the governor’s intellectual capacity and that her husband was the real decision-maker.
The judge referenced Article 3, Section 15 of the General Law on Electoral Crimes and Articles 20 bis, Section 1, and 8 of the General Law on Women’s Access to a Life Free of Violence. These statutes outline the behaviors attributed to the former legislator.
The State Attorney General’s Office requested that the precautionary measures against the former deputy, which include biweekly reporting and a prohibition from mentioning the governor in any media or social media, be maintained. The judge confirmed that these measures remain in force. The Attorney General’s Office also requested and received approval for an extended investigation period, now set to conclude on September 21.
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**Secondary Article: Baja California Makes Historic Strides in Addressing Political Violence Against Women**
In line with the recent developments in Baja California, the state continues to make significant strides in addressing political violence against women. In a groundbreaking move, authorities are taking firm steps to ensure that actions undermining the role of women in politics do not go unpunished.
Political violence against women has been a growing concern worldwide, with numerous cases underscoring the need for legal and social reforms. Baja California’s recent case involving the former Labor Party deputy serves as a precedent for holding public figures accountable for gender-based political attacks.
Human rights organizations and women’s advocacy groups have long called for stricter laws and enforcement to protect women’s rights in the political arena. The case of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda highlights the critical nature of such protections and the importance of upholding the dignity and capabilities of women leaders.
This case is expected to encourage more women to speak out against political violence and seek justice. It underscores the priority of creating a political environment that does not tolerate gender-based discrimination and supports equal participation of all genders in governance.
Baja California’s legal system is pioneering pathways for other regions to follow, demonstrating that no form of gender-based political violence will be accepted. It is a significant step towards broader cultural and legal changes necessary to protect women’s rights globally.
For more on this developing story, visit TJGringo.com.