Gadi Mokotov, a car armor specialist in Mexico City, has seen a surge in demand for bulletproof vehicles as criminal violence escalates across the country. Customized cars with bullet pocks and shattered windows are becoming more common, reflecting the grim reality of a nation at war with cartels. Despite government efforts to combat these criminal organizations, tens of thousands of people are killed annually in crime-related incidents, highlighting the deep-seated challenges Mexico faces.
In recent times, even Mexico City, once considered a peaceful haven, has witnessed a spike in violence, with murders soaring by over 150 percent compared to the previous year. Attacks targeting political figures, such as the recent assassinations of aides to the mayor of Mexico City and a mayoral candidate in Veracruz, underscore the pervasive threat of violence in Mexican society.
As the nation gears up for crucial judicial elections, fears loom large. The run-up to the elections has been marked by threats, assassinations, and intimidation tactics employed by cartels to influence the outcome. Reports indicate that several candidates have withdrawn from the race due to safety concerns, while judges in cartel-controlled areas have opted out of campaigning altogether, fearing for their lives.
Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s reform to elect judges directly was a significant departure from the previous system of internal appointments, aiming to enhance judicial autonomy and impartiality. This reform, supported by current President Claudia Sheinbaum, will be put to the test as thousands of candidates vie for judicial seats on June 1.
César Gutiérrez Priego, a criminal lawyer and Supreme Court candidate, exemplifies the risks associated with Mexican politics. Campaigning with a bulletproof vest beneath his suit, Priego’s personal history, with his military father wrongly imprisoned, underscores the pervasive corruption and violence that plague the country’s justice system. Despite skepticism from international observers, including the US administrations of Biden and Trump, about the new electoral system’s efficacy, Priego remains committed to fighting for change through the judicial process.
The prevalent mistrust in Mexico’s justice system, characterized by widespread corruption and unresolved cases, underscores the need for more profound reforms beyond the upcoming elections. Critics argue that combating organized crime and addressing corruption at all levels of government are essential steps towards restoring faith in the judiciary.
Amidst this turmoil, the shared goal of ending impunity unites Mexicans, although divergent views exist on the best path forward. Mokotov’s daily encounters in his garage with anxious clients, including mothers seeking to armor their family cars, serve as poignant reminders of the pervasive fear gripping Mexican society. The desperation of these women underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
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