Protesters storm Mexican parliament over decision to elect all judges

Hundreds of angry protesters stormed Mexico’s Senate on Tuesday during a debate over controversial plans to reform the country’s judiciary.

Politicians were forced to relocate to a former Senate building after protesters stormed the upper house, entering the chamber waving Mexican flags, shouting “traitors” and chanting that “the judiciary will not fall.”

They were protesting plans to have all judges elected, which critics say would jeopardize the independence of the judiciary and undermine the system of checks and balances.

Security personnel linked arms to prevent protesters from entering the Senate chamber

RAQUEL CUNHA REUTERS

Using pipes and chains, the door to the Senate chamber was broken open

FELIX MARQUEZ/AP

The reform plan has sparked mass demonstrations, diplomatic tensions and investor caution in recent weeks, with opponents including court officials and law students.

Using pipes and chains, the door to the Senate chamber was broken down. Once inside, the protesters were joined by several