A Mexican Court Orders Suspension of Judicial Reform Promoted by López Obrador

District Judge in the State of Morelos (Mexico), Martha Magaña López, issued an indefinite suspension on Wednesday afternoon, early Tuesday morning in Spain, to prevent the approval of the judicial reform promoted by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which had previously received its first green light in the Chamber of Deputies.

López has thus accepted the precautionary measure requested by four magistrates who sought an injunction, considering that they are being removed from their positions without a hearing and without compensation.

Failure to comply with this suspension would constitute "contempt" and would be referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office for the crime of abuse of authority, according to the Mexican newspaper 'Milenio'.

The text includes, in addition to the direct election of judges, that the Supreme Court of Justice be composed of nine members instead of eleven and the elimination of the Judicial Council. López Obrador has repeatedly accused the judiciary of serving the opposition and acting out of political interests.

The mere debate had already sparked protests and concerns in certain sectors and also in neighboring United States, which warned through its ambassador of the risk that the reform would pose to bilateral relations. In response, the President of Mexico ordered a "pause" in contacts with the U.S. Embassy.