Mexican governor indicted by US on cartel charges requests leave again

Key facts

• Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha has again requested a leave of absence from his post.
• Rocha was indicted by U.S. federal prosecutors on charges including drug-trafficking and bribery.
• He had previously taken a leave of absence on May 1 and returned to his duties on Friday.
• His return to office was criticized by the Mexican government and the ruling Morena party.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly stated that "power without principles becomes arrogance."

Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha, who faces U.S. federal charges including drug-trafficking and bribery, has once again requested a leave of absence from his gubernatorial duties. This comes just days after he defiantly reclaimed his post following a previous leave. Rocha's return to office was met with significant backlash from both the Mexican government and his own ruling Morena party, which accused him of prioritizing personal interests over public duty. President Claudia Sheinbaum intensified the political pressure by stating on social media that "power without principles becomes arrogance." Rocha had previously taken a leave of absence on May 1 to defend himself against what he called "false and malicious" allegations, asserting his innocence and claiming the Mexican Attorney General's Office found no evidence against him. The U.S. indictment, unsealed in April, alleges that Rocha collaborated with The Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in exchange for help with his 2021 election campaign. Prosecutors claim he allowed the cartel to install corrupt officials in power. Mexico's President Sheinbaum has previously called on the U.S. to provide definitive proof and suggested the case should be handled domestically.