Mexican Senate Recess Amid Judicial Reform Protests

Hundreds of protesters stormed Mexico's Senate, disrupting deliberations on a controversial judicial reform championed by President Lopez Obrador. The proposal, which critics argue could undermine judicial independence, has sparked weeks of opposition from judicial employees and law students. The disruption forced the Senate to take a temporary recess.

The Mexican Senate was forced into a temporary recess after hundreds of protesters stormed the chambers on Tuesday, disrupting deliberations on a contentious judicial reform plan. The reform, championed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has faced weeks of opposition from judicial employees and law students who fear it will compromise judicial independence.

Protesters, some armed with pipes and chains, pushed aggressively through the Senate doors, causing at least one person to faint amid the chaos. Lawmakers were forced to halt proceedings for their safety as demonstrators chanted against the reform and waved Mexican flags inside the chamber.

The proposed overhaul has received criticism from various quarters, including U.S. officials and local opposition politicians. Critics argue that electing all judges, as the plan suggests, could jeopardize the judiciary's checks and balances. The controversial plan passed the lower chamber last week, but still faces hurdles in the Senate and state legislatures.

(With inputs from agencies.)