Protesters raid Mexico’s Senate to stop ruling party from passing judicial reform

MEXICO CITY

Hundreds of demonstrators stormed Mexico’s Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers debated a plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary.

Protesters against the proposed judicial reform overcame security and entered the Senate chambers. Singing the national anthem, they forced lawmakers to suspend the session.

Lawmakers were debating an initiative promoted by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and fast-tracked by a ruling party majority in the lower house last week, which triggered nationwide strikes and prompted all courts and tribunals in the country to shut down in protest of the reform.

The constitutional reform would have judges and magistrates in Mexico elected by a direct vote, raising concern that the federal government will use its influence to co-opt the judiciary politically.

Although the ruling Morena party has no majority to pass the reform without a great deal of struggle, the opposition bloc has denounced that the government led by Lopez Obrador is trying to co-opt senators from opposing parties to support the reform.

However, the session resumed, and lawmakers are expected to hold a final vote on Wednesday.