Mexican judges say judicial reform violated human rights
May 6 - Fourteen current and former federal judges in Mexico filed a petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights calling for "reparation for human rights violations" that they say were caused by the country's recent overhaul of the judicial system, a group representing the judges said in a statement on Tuesday.
CONTEXT
The sweeping judicial reform, voted into the country's constitution in September, marked a historic shakeup for Mexico's courts at every level. It requires voters to head to the polls to elect all judges, first in elections next month and then again in 2027.
Critics say the reform threatens the judiciary's political independence, blurring the separation of powers and exposing it to the influence of outside forces like organized crime.
WHY IT MATTERS
The commission, an autonomous arm of the Organization of American States, would not be able to repeal the reform, but its decisions are symbolically important.
Criticism of the reform, which is supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum, comes at a delicate time for her administration as it navigates trade tensions with Washington.
Sheinbaum's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the petition, but her government has repeatedly argued the reform is necessary to root out corruption within the judiciary and to make it more democratic.
KEY QUOTES
"This petition offers an opportunity for the Inter-American System to address alleged violations of judicial independence in Mexico and broader questions regarding judicial reform processes in the region," said Jaime Chavez Alor, associate executive director of the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, which filed the petition in representation of the judges.
"Although it appears neutral, the reform constitutes a mechanism for politicizing and capturing the judiciary," the petition states.
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The Guardian
30 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Why families separated during Trump's first term face new risks as legal aid remains in limbo
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'If it hadn't been for the attorney's help,sincerely, I wouldn't have been able to do anything,' the father said. The Trump administration has not yet contacted Acacia about the ruling, which means services have not been able to resume. For good measure, judge Sabraw flayed the original 'zero tolerance' strategy at the border. 'The policy resulted in the separation of thousands of parents from their minor children, many of whom remain separated to this day,' he wrote. 'The policy caused lasting, excruciating harm to these families, and gratuitously tore the sacred bond that existed between these parents and their children.'
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
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BBC News
3 hours ago
- BBC News
El Chapo: Lawyer Silvia Delgado who defended drug lord elected as judge
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