María Elena Ríos Ortiz, the saxophonist from Oaxaca who survived a horrific acid attack, made headlines again as she confronted Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during the inauguration of the Mitla-Tehuantepec highway. Ríos, who has been vocal about her struggles for justice, accused Governor Salomón Jara of enabling her attacker, Juan Antonio Vera Carrizal, to evade accountability.
At the event held on [insert event date], Ríos took to the microphone, expressing her frustration and despair, stating emphatically, "Today, President, I want to tell you I give up... You and Juan Antonio Vera Carrizal win. The women of Oaxaca have no justice." Her emotional speech echoed the sentiments of many women who feel oppressed and unprotected in the region.
The backdrop to this moment of protest is deeply rooted. Ríos was attacked on December 23, 2019, allegedly on the orders of Vera Carrizal, who at the time was her romantic partner. She was just 27 years old, and he was 56, wielding considerable power as a gas station entrepreneur and former deputy. Since the attack, Ríos has been tirelessly advocating for her case to be recognized as attempted femicide, reflecting the systemic issues surrounding violence against women.
During her passionate address, Ríos revealed disturbing details about the current state of justice. The accusations she made against the governor were severe: "This is all the state has done for campaigns to defame me. You only come with the governor's thugs." This claim was met with both cheers and jeers, demonstrating the divided public sentiment surrounding her case.
Following her statements, Ríos unfurled a banner reading, "I give up, Governor! Here my struggle ends. Release Vera Carrizal. You win because it is not time for women in Oaxaca." This outpouring of frustration highlights the pervasive sense of impunity surrounding gender-based violence and the political machinations at play.
Ríos's claims about Vera Carrizal and his health have raised additional questions. Reports indicated he had been released from prison on dubious medical grounds, with varied accounts of his treatment leading to speculation about his actual whereabouts. On her social media channels, Ríos posted videos from the Santa Anita hospital where she claimed no security personnel were present, challenging the official narratives and alleging there were efforts to shield Vera Carrizal from justice.
The legal saga surrounding Vera Carrizal continues to be convoluted. Initially arrested, he was awaiting trial when claims of serious health issues prompted his transfer to the hospital. These developments unfolded amid broader discussions about corruption within the judiciary, hinting at why justice remains frustratingly out of reach for Ríos.
President Sheinbaum acknowledged Ríos's fight, approaching her after the protest, attempting to provide reassurance. Yet, Ríos's visible distress painted a grim picture of her reality. The divide was palpable as cheers met her protests and supporters of the governor shouted back, indicating the contentious atmosphere surrounding the event.
Ríos's case symbolizes more than just one woman's fight for justice; it encapsulates the struggles of countless women across Mexico facing systemic failures. Her poignant message resonates strongly: even as the country's slogan emphasizes women's rights, the reality falls short. "The women of Oaxaca have no justice," she reiterated, summarizing years of suffering and disappointment.
Her protest did not stand alone, as it coincided with widespread frustrations over unresolved social issues throughout Oaxaca, including demands for healthcare and protections against corruption. Ríos's bravery continues to inspire activists, but it serves as a harsh reminder of the work still needed to secure justice for victims of gender-based violence.
María Elena Ríos's urgent call for accountability resonates deeply within the broader narrative of women's rights and justice in Mexico, challenging the very fabric of societal norms and government responsiveness. Her fight shines necessary light on the urgent need for systemic change to protect and empower women who have suffered violence.