Mexico union leader charged with embezzlement

The most powerful woman in Mexico has gone from patron of presidents to prison cell.

Elba Esther Gordillo, known for flashing her Hermes handbags and heels, has been charged of embezzlement of labour union money and invovlement in organised crime.

A day before the arrest, President Enrique Pena Nieto signed into law new reforms that would break the union’s grip on Mexico’s schools.

That move has left some asking if the charges were timed to stop Gordillo from mobilising members to overturn the new policies.

Al Jazeera’s John Hendren reports from Mexico City.