Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo publicly congratulated the Morelos State Congress for removing Uriel Carmona as State Prosecutor, citing his poor performance and past allegations of obstructing justice in high-profile criminal cases.
The decision, announced on February 7, 2025, marks a significant political shift in Morelos, where Carmona had resisted multiple efforts to unseat him despite mounting legal and political pressure. Sheinbaum emphasized that his removal was crucial for improving law enforcement efficiency in the state.
«I congratulate the lawmakers because the prosecutor was doing everything he could to prevent his removal, but it was necessary,» Sheinbaum stated during her daily press conference.
Uriel Carmona’s Removal: A Victory for Justice?
Carmona’s dismissal follows years of controversy and criticism over his leadership failures and alleged involvement in obstructing justice. Sheinbaum specifically recalled the 2022 case of Ariadna López, a young woman whose femicide investigation was mishandled by Morelos authorities.
At the time, Mexico City’s then-Attorney General Ernestina Godoy accused Carmona’s office of covering up crucial evidence, delaying justice for López’s family. Despite efforts to prosecute him, Carmona successfully obtained a legal injunction to avoid immediate arrest.
Sheinbaum reaffirmed that the Morelos Congress made the right decision, allowing newly elected Governor Margarita González Saravia Calderón to swiftly appoint a new state prosecutor.
Morelos’ Struggle with Crime and Governance
Morelos has long battled rising crime rates, particularly gender-based violence and organized crime activity. Under Carmona’s tenure, the state’s security forces were frequently criticized for inefficiency, failing to properly investigate homicides, disappearances, and cartel-related crimes.
The former prosecutor’s dismissal is expected to pave the way for stronger law enforcement strategies in the region. Governor González Saravia has already proposed a shortlist of candidates for the position, emphasizing integrity and accountability in the selection process.
The Political Implications of Sheinbaum’s Endorsement
Sheinbaum’s strong public stance on Carmona’s removal signals her commitment to justice reform, particularly in gender violence cases. Her administration has consistently advocated for women’s rights and improved legal frameworks to handle femicides and domestic violence.
By openly supporting Morelos’ decision, Sheinbaum also reinforces her political alignment with Governor González Saravia, a key ally in the ruling Morena party. This move could strengthen the political influence of Morena in Morelos, particularly in upcoming legislative and municipal elections.
What’s Next for Morelos’ Legal System?
With Carmona out of office, Morelos officials must urgently restore public trust in the legal system. Priorities for the new prosecutor will include:
- Addressing gender violence cases more effectively.
- Improving case resolution rates in homicide and organized crime investigations.
- Strengthening collaboration with federal authorities to combat corruption and impunity.
Sheinbaum’s support signals that federal oversight may increase in Morelos, ensuring that the state’s justice system undergoes significant reforms.
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