### “On the Brink of Becoming a Dictatorship Similar to Venezuela”: Workers of the Federal Judiciary Protest
Workers of the Federal Judiciary (PJF) in Mexicali have united in a nationwide strike against President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s proposed reforms to the Federal Judiciary. On Monday, August 19, 2024, employees of the Fifteenth Circuit in Mexicali closed the doors of the Federal Judiciary, only processing urgent matters related to liberty, property, and citizens’ sustenance. The protestors carried signs and established a barrier separating the media from judicial officials, standing firmly against the reform set to be reviewed by the Congress in the coming weeks. The proposed reform suggests that judges, magistrates, and ministers be elected through public vote rather than the current selection processes.
Maribel Tafoya, secretary of the Fourth Collegiate of the Fifteenth Circuit, voiced concerns about heading towards authoritarianism resembling Venezuela. Tafoya argued that the reform threatens citizens’ rights to have experienced and capable judicial officials. She insisted that the strike would continue until the Executive and Judiciary branches open to dialogue and show willingness to modify the proposed changes.
Tafoya also criticized Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda’s remarks supporting the strike, claiming it would prevent the release of criminals. She argued that judicial independence was vital and that electing judicial positions through popular vote would result in judges and magistrates beholden to political parties, compromising their independence.
The protests will persist as long as the Executive and Legislative branches remain unresponsive to discussions about the reform and push an agenda that truly benefits the public and the judiciary.
#### Additional News on Judiciary Protests:
**President AMLO Responds to Judiciary Strike, Claims Workers Privileged**
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador responded to the judiciary strike on August 19, 2024, stating that the workers are aware of the privileges within the Federal Judiciary. The President’s statement came amid escalating tensions as over 55,000 Federal Judiciary workers initiated the labor strike. National newspapers report that judges and magistrates will decide whether to join the strike, further intensifying the situation.
**Nationwide Judicial Reform Debate Rages On**
As the debate over judicial reforms continues, various states across the country have seen protests and discussions about the potential impact of the proposed changes. Citizens and officials alike express divided opinions, with some supporting the reforms to bring more transparency and accountability, while critics fear undermining judicial independence. Reports from different regions indicate ongoing demonstrations and calls for a more inclusive dialogue on the proposed electoral changes for judicial appointments.
**International Reactions to Mexico’s Judicial Reforms**
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation in Mexico as judicial reforms spark significant controversy. Global judicial bodies and human rights organizations have voiced concerns about the implications of reducing judicial independence. Analysts argue that Mexico must carefully balance reforms while ensuring that the judiciary remains impartial and free from political influence.