With elections nearing, Mexico’s top judge calls out ‘smear war’ tied to a high-stakes financial dispute.
Supreme Court Justice Loretta Ortiz Ahlf has denounced what she calls a smear campaign against her, claiming it is tied to her lead in public support for the upcoming June 1 judicial elections in Mexico.
“It’s a reflection of the fear held by those who want justice to remain only for a few,” Ortiz said. “They resist the transformation of the Judiciary. They know we’re ahead in the polls and have no choice but to resort to a smear war—lies.”
In response to media reports in Mexico alleging that Ortiz is under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the justice issued a public statement distancing herself from the case.
“This is an attempt to mislead and manipulate Mexicans during the process to elect judicial officials,” she stated.
Ortiz explained that the allegations relate to a case reviewed by the First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, where she currently serves as presiding justice.
“The case mentioned refers to the direct appeal under review No. 3011/2021, which has not yet been accepted or resolved by the Court’s full bench,” the statement clarified.
She noted that the case had previously been dismissed by the Court due to lack of legal merit and no demonstrated exceptional interest in constitutional or human rights matters.
She concluded her statement by reiterating her belief that she is the target of a “smear campaign,” though she did not name any specific individuals or groups.
“Truth will always prevail over these smear tactics. I’m confident that starting June 1, we will have justices, judges, and magistrates who are truly connected to the people.”
The case in question involves a financial dispute in the banking and fiduciary sector between businessman Rafael Zaga Tawil and Grupo Financiero Actinver. The dispute, reportedly worth 1.5 billion pesos, centers around alleged violations of Mexican banking laws.
In early March, Grupo Actinver filed a judicial motion before the Supreme Court’s First Chamber requesting the recusal of justices Loretta Ortiz, Juan Luis González Alcántara, and Jorge Mario Pardo from the case due to perceived conflicts of interest.
