**Monreal Rules Out Political Trial Against Judges Who Suspended Judicial Reform Discussion**
**September 2, 2024** – Ricardo Monreal Ávila, president of the Political Coordination Board (JUCOPO) in the Chamber of Deputies, announced on September 2, 2024, that they will halt the political trial and criminal complaint request against judges who provisionally suspended discussions on federal judicial reform.
On August 31, 2024, Judge Martha Eugenia Magaña López of the Fifth District Court in the State of Morelos granted a provisional suspension instructing the Chamber of Deputies not to initiate the discussion or vote on the draft reform of the Federal Judiciary. This suspension was aimed at protecting four federal judges who had filed an appeal against the reform, preventing the Congressional draft from affecting their positions.
The ruling implies “that this particular project cannot be discussed and voted upon by the Chamber of Deputies of the new legislature,” which began on September 1, 2024, according to file 1251/2024. The judge argued that the reform’s approval, intending to establish elections for renewing the Federal Judiciary from 2025, sought to terminate the federal judges’ positions “without the right to a hearing and without any indemnity.”
Similarly, Judge Felipe Consuelo Soto of the Third District Court in Amparo and Federal Trials in the State of Chiapas granted an indirect amparo (protection) to judges who challenged the judicial reform draft under file 1190/2024. However, this decision did not elaborate publicly on its scope. Consuelo Soto noted that both houses of Congress could continue with the legislative process, but if they approved the draft, they would be prohibited from sending the respective decree to state legislatures, which need a majority approval to complete the constitutional reform.
On September 1, 2024, Monreal indicated that the Morena faction was considering filing a political trial against the judges who suspended the judicial reform discussion. During a press conference, Monreal emphasized three actions against the judges: a political trial to disqualify them, a criminal complaint, and a complaint before the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF).
“The legislative majority views it as a blatant interference and a constitutional violation, with no judge or entity outside the legislative power having the authority. We proposed three actions against the judges for their severe interference in the legislative power’s internal affairs: political trial, criminal charges for judicial administration misconduct, and a complaint before the Judiciary,” Monreal detailed.
Later the same day, Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, announced on social media the actions taken against Judges Magaña López and Consuelo Soto, calling it a “crude invasion of incompetence.” He asserted, “No one will stop the Judicial Reform.”
However, on September 2, 2024, Monreal acknowledged that although he believed the judges had overstepped their authority and violated legality principles, they should wait, as prudence and tolerance benefit the country. “We should wait; prudence and tolerance help the country at this time. Though the political trial and criminal complaint may have been presented, we need to pause,” Monreal urged.
“There will be no ‘fast track’ in any political trial. We will adopt a respectful and prudent stance. Our intention is to seek dialogue,” Monreal reiterated and did not rule out possible changes to the judicial reform draft, noting they were still working on it.
Several legislators, including Olga María Sánchez Cordero Dávila, were proposing amendments to the draft which the Directing Board was considering. “In the next few hours, we will see if some of these amendments are accepted, and the plenary will determine their inclusion,” Monreal stated.
Besides the eligibility requirements for judges, which Sánchez Cordero Dávila argued should be included in secondary laws rather than the Constitution, Monreal hinted at simplifying the selection process for judges, ministers, and magistrates to shorten the process duration. “Simplifying the selection process is under review. I believe the method for choosing judges, ministers, and magistrates will be streamlined,” Monreal reiterated.
The discussion on the judicial reform in general commenced on September 3, 2024, and the specific voting was expected to conclude by the next day to complete all procedural stages, adhering strictly to the Organic Law and Regulations of San Lázaro. On September 2, 2024, Moisés Ignacio Mier Velazco, Vice Coordinator of the Morena group, indicated that the Senate would expedite the installation of the Constitutional Points and Legislative Studies commissions to process the minute from the Chamber of Deputies regarding the Federal Judiciary reform promptly.
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**Secondary Article: Judicial Reform Discussions Continue Amidst Controversies**
**September 2, 2024** – The debate over Mexico’s judicial reform continues to stir controversy, with significant political and judicial implications. Notable judiciaries like Judge Martha Eugenia Magaña López and Judge Felipe Consuelo Soto stepping in to halt proceedings has brought intense scrutiny. The reform aims to implement elections for renewing the Federal Judiciary from 2025, with committed opposition pushing back against perceived overreach and inadequate protections for judiciary members. Discussions are set to intensify as the Senate and House of Deputies work through amendments to address core concerns, emphasizing transparency and efficacy in judicial processes while maintaining constitutional integrity.