Protests in Mexico as controversial judicial reform passed

Proponents say it will make judges more accountable but critics fear it undermines their independence.

British Broadcasting CorporationWatchHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureTravelEarthVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS ElectionUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC InDepthBBC VerifySportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessWomen at the HelmFuture of BusinessInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsTravelDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingVideoLiveLive NewsLive SportHomeNewsSportBusinessInnovationCultureTravelEarthVideoLiveAudioWeatherNewslettersProtests in Mexico as controversial judicial reform passedReutersPolice were out in force as demonstrators protested against the reformMexico's Senate has approved a controversial judicial reform under which judges will be elected by popular vote.

Its supporters say the changes will make judges more accountable to the Mexican people but critics argue it undermines the country's system of checks and balances and will strengthen the power of the governing Morena party.

The bill has triggered strikes and protests, with demonstrators earlier breaking into the building where the vote was due to take place.

The Senate vote was the last major hurdle facing the legislation, which has the backing of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

During a dramatic late-night session, the debate had to be paused when protesters chanting "the judiciary will not fall" stormed the chamber where senators were gathered.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4y9q74j2ko

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