## Hundreds of Protesters Storm Senate; Noroña Halts Judicial Reform Session
Hundreds of protesters opposing the proposed reforms to the Federal Judiciary (PJF) stormed into the Senate Plenary Hall around 4:30 PM on September 10, 2024. This unexpected breach led José Gerardo Rodolfo Fernández Noroña, President of the Senate’s Board of Directors, to indefinitely suspend the ordinary session.
Chants such as, “The Judiciary will not fall!” and “Where are the senators who promised to listen to us?” echoed through the hall, punctuated by cries of “Traitors!” and “Listen to your people!” The protestors donned shirts and carried signs defending the PJF, while waving Mexican flags and singing the national anthem.
Earlier in the day, the Senate was scheduled to convene at 2:30 PM for the presentation of the judicial reform proposal led by the joint commissions of Constitutional Points and Legislative Studies. Chaired by Ernestina Godoy Ramos and Minerva Citlalli Hernández Mora, the session began with a 15-minute rundown of the proposed reforms.
Senator Agustin Dorantes Lámbarri of the National Action Party (PAN) introduced a motion to suspend the discussion, citing the initiative’s potential harm to the country. However, this motion was rejected by the Senate with 85 votes against and 41 in favor.
As parliamentary groups continued their discussions, Noroña announced that protestors had entered the Senate building. He urged legislators to evacuate the premises for their safety and declared an indefinite recess.
Outside the Senate, citizens both supporting and opposing the judicial reform gathered. The majority opposing the reform occupied Paseo de la Reforma while a smaller supportive group remained on Insurgentes Avenue.
### Additional Coverage
#### Growing Concerns Over Judicial Reform Spark Nationwide Protests
The proposed judicial reforms have ignited fierce debates nationwide, with ongoing protests in major cities beyond the Senate incident in Mexico City. Advocates claim the reforms will strengthen accountability and efficiency within the judiciary, but critics fear they could undermine judicial independence and concentrate power within the executive branch.
Prominent legal figures and civil society organizations have voiced their opposition, calling for more transparent discussions and revisions. At a recent rally in Guadalajara, former Supreme Court Justice María del Carmen Alanís emphasized, “The independence of our judicial system is non-negotiable. These reforms threaten the very foundation of our democracy.”
In contrast, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador continues to defend the reforms, suggesting they are essential for eliminating corruption and ensuring judicial impartiality. “The current system is riddled with inefficiencies and injustices. We need these changes to build a fairer and more just Mexico,” he stated during a press conference.
As debates intensify, both sides are mobilizing supporters and organizing further demonstrations, making it clear that the battle over judicial reform is far from over.