**Judge Orders Trial for Former Legislator Over Political Violence Against Governor: A First in Baja California**
On Tuesday, August 20, a former local deputy from the Worker’s Party (PT) was formally ordered to stand trial for alleged political violence against women, targeting Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. This represents the first such case in Baja California.
The judicial order followed a complaint filed on August 25, 2023, by Julio César Díaz Meza, the Deputy Legal Advisor of Baja California, against the then-legislator. The complaint focused on various statements made by the PT member against the state governor.
Judge María Elizabeth Castro Rodríguez of the Judicial Party of Tijuana identified three key incidents that led to the charges. On January 18, 2022, the former deputy claimed that even without the responsibilities of motherhood, the governor couldn’t manage the state administration and suggested that her husband, Carlos Torres, held the reins of power. On February 7, he argued that Baja California was experiencing a power vacuum and implied that the governor had taken leave due to maternity, mirroring her previous leaves of absence as a deputy and mayor. Lastly, on February 9, he reiterated that Carlos Torres was making the significant decisions in the state’s government.
The judge emphasized that these statements, made within the context of women’s political and electoral rights, amounted to gender-based political violence. The remarks implied that the governor’s capacity was diminished due to pregnancy, effectively transferring her authority to her spouse.
The judge referenced Article 3, Section 15 of the General Law on Electoral Crimes and Article 20 bis, Sections 1 and 8 of the General Law on Women’s Access to a Life Free of Violence. These laws outline the unlawful conduct attributed to the former legislator.
As this marks the first case of this nature in Baja California, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) has requested that the precautionary measures against the former deputy remain in effect. These measures include bi-weekly check-ins and a prohibition on discussing the governor in any form of media or communication.
“The measures will stay in place,” Judge Castro Rodríguez confirmed, adding that the FGE requested an extension for further investigation until September 21.
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**Additional News on the Topic**
**Second Case of Gender-Based Political Violence in Mexico Just Days Apart**
In a related development, another high-profile case of gender-based political violence has surfaced in Mexico. Just days after the Baja California incident, a former official from another state was also ordered to stand trial for similar allegations. This trend highlights an increasing judicial awareness and strict measures against political violence targeting women in the country.
In this second case, the former official made derogatory comments that questioned the professional competence and leadership abilities of a female politician, similarly attributing her perceived shortcomings to gender-related biases. Legal advocates view these back-to-back cases as significant milestones in the ongoing struggle to ensure that women can exercise their political rights without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Lawmakers and gender equality advocates are hopeful these cases will set a strong precedent, deterring future instances of political violence against women in Mexico.
For more information and updates on this topic, visit TJGringo.com.