Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has announced it will request that the U.S. Department of Justice provide the necessary proofs and documents
regarding narcotics accusations against Rubén Rocha, the governor of Sinaloa, and nine other individuals.
FGR Questions Urgency of Detention
During a press conference on Friday, May 1, Raúl Armando Jiménez Vázquez, head of the FGR’s Specialized Prosecution Office for Competence Control, stated that the U.S. Request to arrest and extradite Governor Rocha lacks the required justification for immediate action.
Jiménez Vázquez noted that there is no reference nor motive nor foundation nor evidence that allows us to appreciate the why of the urgency of the provisional detention
. He explained that the FGR’s International Affairs area analyzed the request according to the bilateral extradition treaty between Mexico and the U.S.
The official emphasized that provisional detention is intended to prevent individuals from evading justice, and the urgency of such a measure must be proven beyond any reasonable doubt
.
President Sheinbaum Denounces “Political Hitting”
President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly questioned the integrity of the evidence provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, which allegedly links Governor Rocha to payments made to protect the group known as Los Chapitos.
During a “mañanera” conference on April 30, Sheinbaum highlighted a specific piece of evidence, describing it as a sheet of paper
that read Juanito, 30 mil pesos
. She argued that this single document was the only proof presented for the alleged bribes.
The president stated her position is based on Truth, justice and defense of sovereignty
. She asserted that if the FGR finds conclusive and irrefutable proofs
, the government will proceed according to law under Mexican jurisdiction.
Sheinbaum further warned that if the accusations of protecting the Sinaloa Cartel are not proven, the case will be viewed as political hitting
against the Mexican government. She also criticized the U.S. For making the investigation of a sitting governor public, claiming this violates the confidentiality required by international treaties.
Broader Implications and Responses
The U.S. Accusations extend beyond Governor Rocha to include other high-profile figures, such as Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázárez and the mayor of Culiacán, Juan de Dios Gámez.
For his part, Rubén Rocha has dismissed any possibility of resigning from his post while the investigations continue. He maintained that the U.S. Accusations will be debunked with force at the appropriate time
.
Depending on the evidence provided by the U.S., the Mexican government may either initiate formal legal proceedings under its own jurisdiction or dismiss the claims as politically motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FGR requesting from the United States?
The FGR is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to send the necessary proofs and documents related to the narcotics accusations against Governor Rubén Rocha and nine other people.
Why did the FGR refuse the provisional detention of Governor Rocha?
The FGR stated that the U.S. Request did not provide the reference, motive, foundation, or evidence necessary to justify the urgency of a provisional detention, which must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who else is named in the U.S. Accusations?
In addition to Governor Rubén Rocha, the accusations involve nine other individuals, including Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázárez and Culiacán mayor Juan de Dios Gámez.
Do you believe that publicizing investigations into sitting officials helps or hinders the pursuit of international justice?
