Mexico's President Responds To The U.S. Charging Close Ally With Cartel Corruption
The United States announced on Wednesday the Department of Justice is charging Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, along with other current and former officials, with corruption and drug trafficking conspiracy due to allegedly working with the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the oldest and most powerful cartels in Mexico, even as it is in the middle of a civil war between two rival factions. The DOJ is accusing the governor and officials of mainly working with the Chapitos faction, which has been run by the sons of El Chapo since their father was brought to the United States to face trial.
The news of the charges spread rapidly throughout Mexico. The charges further say the Chapitos tampered with the election that Rocha Moya won in exchange for protection and bribes.
President Claudia Sheinbaum gave her response to the U.S. charges during her morning press conference on Thursday.
“I have always said this clearly, and we have acted accordingly. We will not protect anyone who has committed a crime,” Sheinbaum said. “However—if there is no clear evidence, it is evident that the objective of these accusations by the Department of Justice is political.”
“It must be absolutely clear: under no circumstances will we allow interference or intrusion by a foreign government in decisions that belong exclusively to the people of Mexico,” she continued.
For his part, Rocha Moya is denying all accusations and will be addressing them “with full force, at the appropriate time.”
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had received extradition requests from the United States on Wednesday.
Other officials being charged with corruption include the mayor of Culiacán, the capital and largest city in Sinaloa. Like Rocha Moya, Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil is flatly denying he has broken any laws.
The U.S. bringing these charges against Sinaloa politicians certainly puts Sheinbaum between a rock and a hard place. Rocha Moya and Juan de Dios Gámez belong to her party, Morena. Rocha Moya is very close…