President Sheinbaum Urges Tougher Laws After Man Gropes Her in Public

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for sexual harassment to be criminalized nationwide after a man groped and attempted to kiss her while she greeted supporters near the presidential palace

Videos shared on social media show the man approaching Sheinbaum from behind, placing an arm around her shoulder, and touching her inappropriately while trying to kiss her neck. Security officers quickly intervened and detained the suspect, who appeared to be intoxicated

Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, said she decided to file a formal complaint after learning the man had continued to harass other women. “If they do this to the president, what will happen to all women in our country?” she asked during a press briefing

The president announced plans to review criminal codes across Mexico’s 32 federal districts to ensure that sexual harassment is punishable everywhere. “It should be a criminal offense in all states,” she emphasized, adding that she herself faced similar harassment in her youth

Despite the assault, Sheinbaum initially treated the man calmly, even posing for a photo before realizing the extent of what had happened after watching the videos later

The incident has reignited national debate over “macho” behavior and women’s safety in public spaces. According to UN Women, around 70 percent of Mexican women aged 15 and above have experienced some form of sexual harassment

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Authorities confirmed that the suspect has since been arrested, and the case is being handled by Mexico City prosecutors, where harassment carries legal penalties

Writer : Mweru Mbugua