…Speaks on Arraignment of Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez

Marco Tulio Mendez

This issue of P.U.P. Orange Walk East Area Representative Marco Tulio Mendez isn’t dismissed quite so easily. Mendez has been charged with six counts of aggravated assault of an indecent nature on two minors. Following his arrest and formal arraignment last week the party immediately removed him as head of the Northern Caucus and also suspended him from any official duties. Inevitably though, with the nature of the charges and this politically charged climate, there will always be criticism that more could have, and should have been done.

Francis Fonseca, P.U.P. Leader

“Our focus is on getting at the truth and making sure that all of the persons involved in this matter are treated fairly, are treated justly. Certainly we are concerned about the children who are a part of this matter, the alleged victims. We are very concerned about them, but we are also concerned about our friend and colleague Dr. Marco Tulio Mendez, and his family…his former wife, his children. These are real people, human beings, and we have to support them in every way possible to make sure that this process is carried through in a very fair and accountable way.”

Reporter

“For those who criticize you as Party Leader that you haven’t gone far enough as is require…that a person who represents the people must have the highest moral standards. You haven’t requested his resignation. Why not and why isn’t that on the table at this time?”

Francis Fonseca

Francis Fonseca

“I think we have to take it one step at a time. These things were allegations up until last week. At the National Executive we discussed our plan of action if and when charges were laid, and this was the course of action we have taken. Obviously it’s a fluid situation. We will continue to discuss the matter at the National Executive level of the party, and this is a matter that will be under constant review. But let’s be very clear. Dr. Mendez is not guilty. He is before the courts charged with very serious allegations, but he has not been found guilty.”

Doctor Mendez gave an interview to News Five after he was arraigned and on the advice on his lawyers, he could not give much details on the charges. But some elements of the media have made much of the fact that following his arraignment Doctor Mendez avoided any interaction with them. Fonseca says by all accounts the accused man has been in a very fragile emotional state.