Sheinbaum defends rule of law in ex-Pemex director case, proposes femicide law

President Claudia Sheinbaum used her July 15 press conference to address two major issues: the detention of former Pemex director Víctor Rodríguez Padilla for domestic violence and the introduction of a new femicide law with penalties of 50 to 70 years in prison. She insisted that the Rodríguez case proves the government does not protect anyone who breaks the law, regardless of personal ties. Source: excelsiormx

Ex-Pemex director case

Rodríguez Padilla was arrested on July 7 after videos showed him physically assaulting his wife. He was released on July 14 with precautionary measures pending trial. Sheinbaum stated, "The very fact of his detention shows that we will never protect anyone who violates the law, and even less so if there is violence against women." Source: mileniomx She noted that the Morelos prosecutor's office and judge will determine the process. Source: heraldomx Infobae reported that the president rejected claims of preferential treatment due to Rodríguez's former position. Source: infobae

New femicide law

Sheinbaum signed an initiative for the General Law to Prevent, Investigate, and Punish Femicide, to be sent to Congress. Key points include:

• Homologation of the crime of femicide across all states, with 10 gender-based reasons and 19 aggravating factors. Source: excelsiormx
• Penalties of 50 to 70 years in prison, no statute of limitations, and no amnesty. Source: excelsiormx
• Creation of a national registry of children orphaned by femicide. Source: infobae

Advisor Luisa María Alcalde presented the details, emphasizing that the law seeks to end impunity and ensure that all violent deaths of women are investigated as femicide initially. Source: infobae The timing of the announcement, one day after Rodríguez's release, drew online commentary, though the government stated the legislative discussion will begin in September. Source: infobae