Mexico Defends ‍Former General Accused of Drug Trafficking Amidst Renewed ‍Scrutiny

Mexico’s presidential hopeful Claudia ‌Sheinbaum has strongly defended former Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos, who⁢ was ​previously accused‍ of‍ drug trafficking ‍by the‍ United States. The ⁣case, wich‍ sparked a significant diplomatic ‌rift between Mexico and the U.S., has ⁢resurfaced as ​Sheinbaum​ addressed allegations that her government shields cartel⁢ leaders.

The‍ Cienfuegos Case: A Diplomatic ⁣Standoff

The controversy ⁣surrounding General Cienfuegos began⁢ when he was arrested in the U.S.‍ in October 2020⁤ on ‍charges of ‍drug trafficking.This move triggered a fierce diplomatic battle‍ with the governance of then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. López Obrador maneuvered to have Cienfuegos returned to‌ Mexico, arguing that he should face trial in his home⁢ country.

Upon his​ return to Mexico, Cienfuegos ⁣was ⁢exonerated⁤ and, in⁢ a move that drew​ considerable attention, was later decorated by the Mexican government. President López Obrador consistently maintained that the U.S.⁤ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had⁣ fabricated the charges against Cienfuegos, characterizing ⁤it as an act of “revenge” against Mexico.

Lingering Tensions and Renewed Assertions

The Cienfuegos affair continues to be a recurring point of contention in ‌the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States.⁤ In a recent⁤ statement,Sheinbaum asserted ⁤that after reviewing the ⁣case,it is “very clear that there was innocence.” She emphasized that the Attorney General’s‌ office should provide a detailed account of⁤ the entire case to ensure its full clarification.

Sheinbaum also addressed broader concerns about her government’s approach to organized crime, specifically‌ refuting accusations​ that her administration protects figures⁢ like Ismael ​”El Mayo” Zambada. She stated that⁢ her government⁤ is committed to “pacifying the ⁢country ‍and⁢ that ⁢there is no violence.” She​ added,”We do our work,we not ‌only‍ say it,but‌ we give the results. We do‌ not establish a ⁣relationship of contubernio with​ anyone.”

The legal proceedings related to the ⁣allegations⁢ against Cienfuegos ⁣will be handled by the Legal‌ Ministry of the Presidency,under the direction‌ of Ernestina Godoy. This clarification from Sheinbaum comes in response to an⁣ interpellation from Litchman, who questioned the government’s​ stance on alleged ⁢cartel protection.