Criminal linked to the Gulf Cartel calls to vote for Morena in judicial election

A new scandal shakes Tamaulipas and the entire country. It involves Octavio Leal Moncada, alias "Tarzán," a man with ties to the Gulf Cartel and founder of the armed group "Pedro J. Méndez".

This man recently appeared in a public video urging people to vote for candidates aligned with Morena in the upcoming election of judges and magistrates.

In the video, Leal Moncada is seen addressing a group of people, giving them explicit instructions on how they should vote, and naming the candidates who, according to him, should be supported.

He claims that if people don't vote as he says, "hospitals, universities will be removed, and social programs will disappear," statements that are completely false, as these programs are constitutionally protected.

"Don't make a mistake, because if you don't vote correctly, hospitals and the universities created during López Obrador's government will be removed," he warned.

He also labeled those who don't participate in the electoral process as "traitors to the country."

"Don't fail Mexico, because the country comes first."

he said, raising his voice.

The criminal and allegedly murderous past of Leal Moncada.

He was arrested in 2010 for his probable responsibility in the murder of two people in Ejido Barbosa, municipality of Hidalgo, Tamaulipas. His group was born as a supposed self-defense organization to combat Los Zetas.

However, it was infiltrated by organized crime and has been identified by federal authorities as an arm of the Gulf Cartel.

Despite this background, the judicial authorities of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, recently decided to release him, arguing lack of sufficient evidence to sustain the criminal process.

His release was celebrated by the Pedro J. Méndez Armed Column itself, and it caused strong criticism about the influence of organized crime in judicial decisions.

The relationship of Moncada Leal with Morena and Américo Villarreal.

Suspicions of ties between Leal Moncada and the leftist party Morena are not new. In previous campaigns, Leal himself signed a public letter in support of the now governor of Tamaulipas, Américo Villarreal Anaya, of Morena.

Many interpret his release as a "favor repayment," something that would call into question the independence of the institutions in the state.

Justice compromised in Mexico.

This case highlights the urgent need to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Especially when it comes to the election of judges and magistrates, key figures for the balance of powers and the administration of justice.

Meanwhile, characters like Leal Moncada walk free and engage in armed proselytism, public trust in the institutions is dangerously eroded. Justice in Mexico, already battered by years of impunity, can't afford to be hostage to criminals with political interests.