Lawyer Juan Pablo Penilla, known for being the legal representative of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, has generated controversy by being recognized as 'Ambassador for Peace' by the National Action Party (PAN) in 2023. Despite not being a public official or honorary advisor to the state government of Tamaulipas, these distinctions have sparked criticism and bewilderment.
Penilla has expressed his support for the judicial reforms proposed by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, highlighting the importance of reform in the Judiciary. After receiving the recognition in the Chamber of Deputies in 2023, the lawyer expressed confidence in the initiatives that the former president would present in 2024, praising his commitment to Mexican justice.
Amidst these controversies, questions arose about the alleged connection of Juan Pablo Penilla with the mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the political party Morena. Federal deputy María Teresa Castell accused Penilla of advising both Morena for the 2024 elections and the government of Américo Villarreal in Tamaulipas.
In response to these claims, Claudia Sheinbaum denied any link to the lawyer of 'El Mayo' Zambada and stated that she did not personally know Penilla. She also clarified that a photograph circulating on social media, in which she appears with him, corresponds to an election campaign and does not imply any relation of complicity.
In summary, the distinctions and public stances of Juan Pablo Penilla, as well as the speculations about his political connections, have generated debate and controversy in Mexico in recent days, with various political figures and officials involved in the discussion.
