Cancún, Quintana Roo – December 27, 2023 – A criminal court judge in Cancún has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation into allegations of domestic assault. The swift action, taken by the Judicial Disciplinary Court of Quintana Roo, underscores a zero-tolerance policy toward gender-based violence within the state’s judicial system.
Judge Suspended Amid Assault Investigation
The suspension of Judge Jonathan Yong Mendoza comes after images circulated on social media appearing to show him with a weapon while a woman was reportedly lying on the floor.
- Judge Jonathan Yong Mendoza has been suspended from his duties.
- The suspension is related to an investigation into a reported assault on December 24th at Residencial Palmaris in Cancún.
- The action was prompted by an anonymous complaint and circulating images on social networks.
- The state judiciary emphasized its commitment to zero tolerance for gender violence.
Judge Jonathan Yong Mendoza, of the Criminal Control court, was suspended on December 26th, according to a statement from the state judiciary. The decision was made as a “precautionary measure” while authorities investigate his potential responsibility in the alleged assault, which took place on December 24th at Residencial Palmaris in Cancún. The judiciary acted after receiving an anonymous complaint, accompanied by what they described as “graphic material.”
The Judicial Disciplinary Court, chaired by Elizabeth Moreno Rejon, and including magistrate Nelsy Lucely Trejo Puc and Marco Antonio Torre Constantino, initiated the suspension. This court was established through recent reforms to the state’s judicial system. The Administrative Responsibilities Investigation Body, led by Elidez Antonio Pech, requested both the internal investigation and the judge’s temporary removal from his position.
A Zero-Tolerance Stance
The judiciary stated the suspension will remain in effect until the investigation is complete and a final resolution is reached. The decision reflects a firm commitment to a “zero tolerance” policy regarding gender violence, particularly when involving members of the judicial branch. The statement emphasized the obligation of all judicial personnel to conduct themselves with respect, legality, ethics, impartiality, and professionalism, both on and off duty.
What are the responsibilities of the Judicial Disciplinary Court? The court, as outlined in the Organic Law of the State Judiciary, is responsible for overseeing the entire Judicial Branch. It has the authority to investigate and resolve administrative liability procedures against judicial officials, as well as to evaluate their performance.
The court operates through three bodies: Internal Control, Investigation of Administrative Responsibilities, and the Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee. This case marks the first temporary suspension issued by the newly formed tribunal.
The swift response in this case highlights a growing emphasis on accountability within the Mexican judicial system, particularly concerning allegations of violence against women.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.
