### Primary Article:
**Federal Judges and Magistrates Announce Nationwide Indefinite Strike**
On August 19, 2024, the National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges (JUFED) announced that starting at midnight on August 21, 2024, there will be a suspension of judicial activities across all federal courts and tribunals in Mexico. The decision follows a survey conducted among the members of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (PJF), with the majority supporting the strike.
“The JUFED informs the citizens of Mexico that through a democratic exercise, the members of the Judicial Branch voted on the question: ‘As a member of the Judicial Branch of the Federation, do you agree with suspending judicial activities, leaving only guards to attend to urgent cases?’ Out of 1,403 judges, 1,202 voted ‘YES’ to the suspension, and 201 voted ‘NO’,” stated the association in a communiqué signed by its president, Judge Juana Fuentes Velázquez.
“This decision is of vital importance in defending the autonomy of the Judicial Branch of the Federation, which is a pillar of our democratic system. Hence, today, workers and judges have decided to defend in unity: the Republic, judicial independence, and the separation of powers to secure the future of coming generations,” the JUFED added.
As of midnight on August 21, 2024, all Federal Courts and Tribunals in the country will begin suspending their judicial activities, with exceptions stated in the official declaration, according to the JUFED’s statement.
In response to the judicial reform sent by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to the Congress on February 5, 2024, approximately 55,000 workers commenced a nationwide labor strike starting at midnight on August 19, 2024. National and local media reported closures, including the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF) headquarters in Mexico City, which was locked with chains and padlocks.
The Federal Judiciary Council (CJF) had previously stated on August 16, 2024, that no agreement existed regarding a suspension of activities starting on the 21st, refuting the connection to the judicial reform proposed by President López Obrador.
### Secondary Article:
**Secondary Protests Break Out Over Proposed Judicial Reforms**
The indefinite strike by federal judges and magistrates is not the only backlash to the proposed judicial reforms. Over recent weeks, various legal professionals and institutions have voiced their discontent, organizing multiple protests across the country.
In Ciudad Juárez, demonstrations gathered hundreds of lawyers and judiciary workers, all calling for the preservation of judicial independence. “This reform threatens the very fabric of our impartial legal system,” said Maria Martinez, a leading lawyer in the protest.
In Guadalajara, the University of Guadalajara’s Law School held a symposium addressing the impacts of the judicial reforms. Experts highlighted potential risks, including increased executive power over the judiciary and reduced legal protections for citizens.
Meanwhile, in Monterrey, a solidarity march saw participation from not only legal experts but also civil rights organizations. The march concluded with a public forum where citizens expressed their concerns over potential consequences of the reforms.
These secondary protests underline a widespread concern among the legal community and the public, indicating that the unrest is likely to continue until significant dialogues are held and revisions are made to the controversial judicial reform bill.