Former senator Antonio García Conejo, brother of the former governor of Michoacán Silvano Aureoles Conejo, has described the recent arrest warrant against the former governor as a "political persecution," arguing that for the past four years he has been the target of unproven accusations. García Conejo believes that this measure is part of an attempt by the federal government to divert attention from uncomfortable issues. He has expressed his opinion stating that throughout this time, his brother has appeared without fail, faced the accusations, and nothing has ever been proven against him.
In his statements, García Conejo emphasized that for these four years, absolutely nothing has been demonstrated against his brother. He also questioned the timing of the alleged detention of Silvano Aureoles, as it coincided with a day when Michoacán faced blockades by transporters in the capital.
When asked about the possibility that there were officials in the current administration who should be investigated, García Conejo avoided pointing directly to anyone, but highlighted the importance of the fair and responsible application of laws. He also warned about the Mexican government's tendency to establish an authoritarian system that persecutes those who criticize the regime.
He emphasized that he will not be intimidated by this political persecution and is even prepared to face actions from the government against him. He mentioned that this situation will not silence him and that he, like his family, has been the subject of constant political persecution. He related these events to recent statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have pointed to high-ranking Mexican officials for possible links to organized crime and have requested extraditions, which has caused discomfort in the current government.
In light of all this, García Conejo recalled that his brother, during his time as governor, tried to report the interference of organized crime in the elections of Michoacán, but was never received by then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. For him, this persecution is not limited only to his brother, but has also reached other former officials from Aureoles' administration, such as the former finance secretary and other collaborators who have been detained.
