Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum presses charges against man who sexually harassed her on the street

Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, pressed charges against a man who touched her inappropriately in the middle of the street. The incident, recorded on video, occurred Tuesday as the leader was on her way on foot to a public event near the presidential palace.

The Mexican presidency confirmed to AFP that Sheinbaum filed a lawsuit against the individual for "harassment," a crime in the capital and in a score of Mexican states that includes obscene advances and touching, as well as disrespectful looks and comments.

As Sheinbaum was greeting supporters on the street, a man approached her from behind, draped an arm over her shoulder, touched her hip and chest with his hands, and tried to kiss her on the neck.

"This person came up totally drunk, I don't know if he was drugged. ... Until after I see the videos I won't realize what really happened," the president acknowledged Wednesday.

"My reflection is: if I don't file a legal complaint, in what condition are the other Mexican women left? If this is done to the president, what will happen to all the women in our country?" the president added.

The president's lawsuit was filed with the Mexico City prosecutor's office, one of the country's districts that criminally prosecutes sexual harassment.

Sheinbaum also assured that she will seek to push for the 32 states that make up Mexico to criminalize this type of conduct.