Former mayor of Mexic prosecuted for intimidating witnesses in investigation into sexual torture of journalists

Irene “N,” former mayor of the municipality of Izúcar de Matamoros in Puebla, was charged for her alleged involvement in the crime of intimidating witnesses during the investigation into the sexual torture of two journalists that occurred in March 2023.

This was carried out by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), through the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Human Rights (FEMDH), following an investigative effort into the case.

According to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, Irene “N” allegedly threatened key witnesses of the sexual torture to which the journalists were subjected when municipal police detained them after covering International Women’s Day in that municipality.

The former mayor allegedly threatened witnesses with losing their jobs if they testified about what happened to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR). Therefore, during the hearing, the Control Judge determined that the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office had provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate the defendant’s probable responsibility.

To date, five former municipal police officers and a local examining magistrate are facing charges of sexual torture against several women, including the two journalists.