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Protests Erupt in Mexico Over Judicial Reform

Massive protests have erupted across Mexico in response to controversial judicial reforms. Citizens express their outrage over government actions perceived as threats to democracy and the rule of law, demanding accountability and transparency.

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Protests Erupt in Mexico Over Judicial Overhaul

In a striking demonstration outside Mexico’s Senate building on Tuesday, university students adorned in masks and dressed as justices of the Supreme Court participated in a theatrical performance. They took turns striking a black piñata, emblazoned with the word “justicia”, which translates to justice. Filled with fake currency, the piñata served as a powerful symbol of the alleged corruption that many believe is undermining the nation’s judiciary.

“The election of judges and magistrates by popular vote represents a crucial democratization of one of the most important powers within our country,” stated Layla Manilla, a 21-year-old politics student and one of the activists involved in the protest. Her sentiments echo the voices of thousands of Mexicans who have recently taken to the streets, either to express their support for or opposition to the controversial judicial reform proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his political allies. On Wednesday, this reform overcame its last significant hurdle when it was narrowly approved in the Senate.

In conversations with The New York Times, Mexicans shared a diverse array of concerns and hopes regarding the proposed legislation. While some individuals voiced apprehensions about the potential erosion of judicial independence, others celebrated the opportunity to have a direct say in selecting those responsible for administering justice. A considerable number of citizens, however, remained indifferent to the reform, expressing confusion about what the changes would entail.

The legislative reform aims to transform the judiciary from a system primarily based on appointments, emphasizing qualifications and training, to one where judges are elected by the populace. This shift would result in approximately 7,000 judges losing their positions, spanning from the chief justice of the Supreme Court to judges at state and local levels. If the reform proceeds as planned, Mexicans could begin voting in these judicial elections as early as next year.

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