Who is Uriel Rivera Martinez? All about man seen groping Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum in viral video
In the viral video, Uriel Rivera Martinez is seen hugging Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum from behind and tries to kiss her without consent, creating a very unpleasant and uncomfortable moment for the Mexican leader.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has decided to press charges against Uriel Rivera Martinez, following a groping incident that occurred on Tuesday, 4 November. The video has since gone viral.
In the viral video, Martinez hugs Claudia Sheinbaum from behind and tries to kiss her sans consent, creating a very unpleasant and uncomfortable moment for the Mexican president.
The incident, which was recorded by several witnesses and posted on social media, sparked outrage from users around the world and also raised serious questions about the president's security.
Reports say that while Martinez was not immediately apprehended, he was arrested hours later and presented before the Prosecutor's Office for Sexual Offences.
Who is Uriel River Martinez?
Although details about Uriel River Martinez are scarce, he is said to be 1.60 metres tall, with a dark complexion and black hair, as per Ambito Mexico, which cited the arrest report.
Authorities have not disclosed Martinez's occupation, and they have not confirmed whether he suffers from any condition.
Martinez could face up to six years in prison in addition to other penalties. Claudia Sheinbaum said Martinez was under the influence of alcohol when the incident took place, adding that he had been harassing other women in the area, something that could aggravate his sentence.
Pressing charges
On Wednesday, Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press briefing that she had decided to press charges against Martinez.
“I decided to file a complaint because this is something I experienced as a woman, and it’s something women in our country go through,” she told reporters.
“And my reflection is, if I don’t file a complaint — even though this is a crime — then what position does that leave all Mexican women in? If they do this to the president, then what will happen to all the young women in our country?” she said.
The 63-year-old also urged Mexican states to make procedures for reporting harassment easier for women, highlighting that women's personal space must not be violated.