Leopoldo Michel Díaz removed from his post as consul in Shanghai

Mexico City. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) announced that its consul in Shanghai, Leopoldo Guadalupe Michel Díaz, was removed from his post because it considers that the incident in which he was involved, where he insulted other members of the diplomatic headquarters, “is regrettable and is not representative of the Mexican Foreign Service (SEM) as a whole.”

As reported by this newspaper, the Foreign Ministry opened a disciplinary process yesterday Thursday against the Mexican consul in Shanghai, China, Leopoldo Guadalupe Michel Díaz, for insulting and threatening diplomatic personnel, including his hierarchical superior, Consul General Miguel Ángel Isidro Rodríguez.

In a statement, the SRE expressed its “unwavering commitment to guarantee a work environment free of any form of violence, harassment or workplace bullying,” and indicated that on the instructions of the Foreign Minister, Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, “Leopoldo Guadalupe Michel Díaz was relieved with immediate effect from his duties as consul assigned to the Consulate General of Mexico in Shanghai.”

As will be recalled, the Disciplinary Affairs Subcommittee of the SEM Personnel Commission issued protective measures on August 8 to prohibit Michel Díaz from accessing the facilities of that consular representation and to guarantee the safety of the staff and the public who visit that headquarters.

“Additionally, Mr. Michel Díaz has been notified of his transfer to Mexico since July 11, for having violated precautionary measures imposed at the time for the protection of the consulate staff in Shanghai. He will face a disciplinary process in the SRE in accordance with the SEM Law and its Regulations.

“The SRE reiterates its zero tolerance policy towards acts of harassment, intimidation and violence or any conduct that violates its Code of Ethics.”