**Ex-Lawmaker Indicted for Political Gender Violence Against Baja California Governor**
On Tuesday, August 20, a former local congressman from the Labor Party was officially charged for alleged political gender-based violence against Baja California Governor, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. This decision marks the first case of its kind in the state of Baja California.
The indictment follows a complaint filed by Julio César Díaz Meza, the Deputy Legal Counsel of Baja California, on August 25, 2023. The charges stem from various statements the former legislator made against the state governor in 2022.
Judge María Elizabeth Castro Rodríguez from the Tijuana Judicial Party highlighted that the remarks reflected gender-based violence. She noted three specific incidents:
1. On January 18, 2022, the accused claimed that the governor wouldn’t be able to control the state administration even without the responsibilities of motherhood and suggested that the power had been delegated to her husband, Carlos Torres.
2. On February 7, he asserted that there was a power vacuum in Baja California, criticizing that the governor had requested maternity leave just as she had previously done as a congresswoman and mayor.
3. On February 9, he stated that governance decisions in Baja California were being made by Carlos Torres rather than the governor.
Judge Castro Rodríguez emphasized that these actions occurred within the political electoral rights framework of a woman, highlighting a woman’s right to partake in government and hold public office. She stressed that asserting pregnancy reduces intellectual capabilities and that her husband made decisions constituted gender-based violence.
The legal framework referenced includes Article 3, Section 15 of the General Law on Electoral Crimes and Article 20 bis, Sections one and eight of the General Law on Women’s Access to a Life Free of Violence. These outline the behaviors attributed to the former legislator.
The Baja California State Prosecutor’s Office requested the continuation of precautionary measures against the former legislator, which include biweekly check-ins and a prohibition against discussing the state governor in any media or social platform. The judge affirmed that these measures remain in effect. Additionally, the prosecutor’s request for a supplementary investigation period until September 21 was granted.
Stay tuned for updates on this important case as it progresses towards trial.
**Secondary Article: Political Gender Violence in Mexico: A Growing Concern**
In a related context, the issue of political gender violence has been gaining traction across Mexico. Multiple similar cases have surfaced, showcasing a worrying trend of sexism and misogyny prevalent within politics.
One recent case involves the Deputy of the Mexican Congress, Layda Sansores, who faced a torrent of gender-based violence, including derogatory remarks and threats, following her criticism of certain political figures. Despite the backlash, Sansores has remained vocal, advocating for stringent measures to combat gender violence and ensure equal political participation.
In another instance, a prominent mayoral candidate in Oaxaca, Clara Ramírez, received both verbal and physical threats during her campaign. Authorities have since increased security measures, but the situation underscores the persistent dangers women face in Mexican politics.
Such incidents reinforce the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms and societal changes to tackle gender-based violence in the political arena. Advocacy groups and legal experts call for stricter penalties and better protection mechanisms to support women in leadership roles.
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