Morelos Congress Removes Uriel Carmona as Attorney General Amid Scandal

A Political Shakeup: The Removal of Uriel Carmona

The political landscape in Morelos took a dramatic turn as the state’s Congress, with a Morena party majority, voted to remove Attorney General Uriel Carmona Gándara from office. The decision, passed with 16 votes in favor and four against, was based on severe breaches of duty, including ongoing legal proceedings tied to his tenure.

The timing of Carmona’s removal raised eyebrows, occurring just hours after he submitted an impeachment request against former governor Cuauhtémoc Blanco. This move has fueled speculation about political retribution and deep-seated power struggles within Morelos.

¿Why Was Uriel Carmona Removed?

According to official statements, the decision to oust Carmona stemmed from several legal entanglements:

• Multiple allegations and legal cases tied to his role as Attorney General.
• Accusations of obstructing justice in the Ariadna Fernanda case, where he was linked to delays and cover-ups.
• Charges related to the alleged torture of Luis Alberto N, also known as “El Diablo.”

Although Carmona successfully secured legal protection in these cases, his tenure became increasingly untenable. Governor Margarita González Saravia, a Morena party leader, formally requested his dismissal through legislative channels.

¿Who Replaces Uriel Carmona?

During the same session, Morelos lawmakers swiftly appointed Édgar Maldonado Ceballos as the new Attorney General. Maldonado, just 36 years old, previously served as legal advisor to Governor González Saravia and was instrumental in uncovering financial irregularities amounting to $40 million pesos under the previous administration.

His appointment will last nine years, ensuring a long-term realignment of legal oversight in Morelos. The quick transition has led some to question whether this was a well-orchestrated political maneuver rather than an impartial legal decision.

A Controversial Exit: Carmona’s Response

In a televised interview following his removal, Uriel Carmona denounced the process as unconstitutional. He claimed the legislative body violated due process by not granting him a fair hearing before the vote.

“The Congress of Morelos skipped the legal procedures. They did not allow me to defend myself,” Carmona stated, hinting at legal countermeasures to challenge his dismissal.

Adding to the drama, local reports suggested that armed men in civilian clothing were seen outside Carmona’s residence on the night of his removal, intensifying concerns over the security and political stability in the state.

Political Fallout and Future Implications

The removal of Uriel Carmona is more than just a personnel change—it highlights the shifting power dynamics within Morelos’ political and judicial systems. Key questions remain:

• Was this a justified legal action or political retaliation?
• How will Carmona’s legal counteraction unfold?
• What role will the new Attorney General play in reshaping Morelos’ justice system?

As the story develops, the implications of this decision could ripple through Mexican politics, setting a precedent for future legal battles between state officials.