Guerrero court sanctions content creator for political gender violence against Acapulco mayor

The Guerrero State Electoral Tribunal (TEEG) sanctioned content creator Jesús Gabriel Castañeda Arellano , general director of the digital media outlet Acapulco Trends , finding him responsible for political violence against women based on gender, to the detriment of Acapulco Mayor Abelina López Rodríguez . The ruling follows a process that began in November 2023, when the mayor filed a formal complaint.

According to the ruling in file TEE/PES/052/2024 , the content creator must pay a 22,000-peso fine , publish a public apology on his news site for 15 consecutive days, and distribute the excerpt of the sentence for 30 days . Failure to comply with these measures could result in more severe sanctions, ranging from additional fines to prison terms .

According to the TEEG, the content disseminated by Castañeda Arellano through her digital media included expressions that constitute symbolic and verbal violence against the mayor. These actions, classified as political gender violence , not only violated the official's rights but also contributed to the reproduction of sexist stereotypes , affecting her performance as a public representative.

The ruling details that the accused repeatedly evaded the Special Sanctioning Procedure's calls , which delayed the process and worsened the situation. Although the content creator invoked freedom of expression , the court determined that this right cannot be used to legitimize attacks based on a public figure's gender .

In addition to the fine and the obligation to publish a public apology and excerpts of the ruling on the website, the court ordered the sanctioned individual to attend awareness-raising courses on human rights and gender perspectives. These will be taught by institutions such as the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (Conapred) , the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) , and the National Institute for Women (Inmujeres) .

Likewise, Castañeda Arellano will be registered in the National Registry of Persons Sanctioned for Political Violence against Women Based on Gender (RNPSVPG) , a database that seeks to expose those responsible for this type of violence and prevent them from accessing public office in the future.

This case represents a significant precedent in the regulation of digital speech, particularly in news and opinion media outlets operating on social media. While criticism of public officials is an essential component of any democracy, the court made it clear that there is a line that must not be crossed: that of discriminatory attacks based on gender .

In an environment where social media amplifies both positive and negative messages, the TEEG ruling sets a legal limit on the use of violent, sexist, or derogatory language , especially when it comes from media-influenced actors.

The resolution has generated mixed opinions. On the one hand, feminist organizations and human rights defenders have celebrated the decision as a step forward in the fight against gender-based violence in politics . They believe that punishing these acts helps guarantee violence-free spaces for women in positions of power .

On the other hand, some sectors believe that the ruling could restrict press freedom or be used as a precedent for undue censorship , although the court emphasized that it does not sanction political criticism per se, but rather its misogynistic and systematic nature.

The Acapulco Trends case brings to the fore an urgent debate in Mexico: how can we ensure effective political criticism without resorting to gender-based violence? The Guerrero court's ruling states that it is possible to exercise freedom of expression while respecting human dignity , and that digital media outlets must assume responsibility for their content , especially when it impacts female public figures.

As women's presence in politics grows, so do the challenges of ensuring their participation is free from violence. Cases like this send a clear message : political gender-based violence will not be tolerated , even under the guise of opinion or online satire.