**Morenistas Seek Confrontation with Judiciary Workers in Tijuana**
*By Ernesto Eslava, September 3, 2024*
In Tijuana, a group of older adults and some younger individuals organized a march dubbed “Youth for Reform” to show their support for a judicial reform that aims to have federal judges and magistrates elected by popular vote. During their demonstration at the Cuauhtémoc roundabout in the Rio Zone, participants chanted, “They are leaving, the corrupt are leaving!”
The protest began at 5 PM and lasted for about an hour and a half. After rallying and chanting slogans, the demonstrators marched approximately one kilometer to the tenth district of the Judiciary. There, they attempted to confront the security personnel of the federal building, but the entrances were closed to prevent any conflicts. By 6:30 PM, the protest had concluded, the slogans had ceased, and the streets were cleared.
Protesters argue that the law does not affect the labor rights of Judiciary employees, even though it changes the judicial career paths and reduces the advancement priority for those specializing in law. “It should be clarified that the workers will not lose their labor rights; they retain all of them. The misinformation being spread is wrong. The reform targets the higher-ups: ministers, magistrates, and judges. Ministers will be reduced from eleven to nine,” stated Mirna Cosío, President of the College of Professionals and Jurists of Baja California.
“Recommendations were often how positions were filled. Now, there will be more opportunities for those already in the profession to participate. Previously, this was not the case. We all know how ministers got their positions,” the lawyer reiterated.
Approximately 400 people attended the protest, including federal employees and the staff of Mayor Montserrat Caballero, as well as collaborators of Delegate Alejandro Ruiz Uribe and Deputy Gloria Miramontes, who even outfitted their representatives in uniforms.
“This organization came together in less than 36 hours. Two district judges issued a provisional suspension preventing the Union Congress from discussing the judiciary reform bill. This overreach by the judiciary is obstructing the legislative function. Lawmakers represent the people, and we want judges to do the same,” explained Belinda Rodríguez, a representative for “Youth for Reform of the Judiciary.”
Judiciary workers remain vigilant about these officialist protests, suspecting that the so-called “youth” demonstration, which included older adults, might have been an attempt to provoke physical altercations. The Judiciary employees’ strike has been ongoing for 15 days, although urgent cases, averaging 25 daily, continue to be addressed. Workers will remain outside the federal building, representing and protesting during their office hours throughout the strike.
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**Additional News on Judicial Reform Protests**
In recent developments related to the judicial reform protests, the ongoing strike and demonstrations continue to gain attention and spark reactions from various sectors.
**Judicial Reform Discussions Continue Amid Protests in Mexico City**
In Mexico City, the debate over the proposed judicial reform has intensified. Lawmakers from different parties have voiced their opinions on the issue. Some argue that the reform is essential for greater accountability and transparency in the judiciary, while others express concerns over potential politicization of judicial appointments.
**Protesters Clash with Police in Monterrey**
In Monterrey, a protest against the judicial reform turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police. The unrest led to several injuries and arrests. Protesters claim the reform undermines judicial independence, while authorities maintain it is necessary to root out corruption.
**Human Rights Groups Call for Dialogue**
Several human rights organizations have called for a dialogue between the government and judiciary employees to address the concerns raised by the reform. These groups emphasize the importance of maintaining judicial independence while also ensuring accountability.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates on this developing story and comprehensive coverage of the judicial reform protests across Mexico.