Judicial overreach in Mexico exposed

During a press conference on Monday, Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez highlighted a series of abuses within the Judicial Branch, such as rulings without legal grounds, delays in the enforcement of laws that benefit certain groups, and the postponement of rulings and sentences that foster impunity and deny access to justice.

Rodríguez stated that of the 21,000 individuals in federal prisons, 6,097 have not been sentenced, and 34% of them have been incarcerated between nine and twelve years without a court ruling.

Regarding injunctions and suspensions against laws, public works, and policies, Rodríguez said, “The Electric Industry Law has faced 161 injunctions. The National Guard Law has five injunctions, the Mining Law has five, the Pension Fund for Mexican workers has 25, and the dissolution of judicial trust funds has 717.”

She emphasized that these actions have hindered the implementation of laws, public works, and reforms intended to benefit the Mexican people.

Judge selection exams sold for 186,000 pesos

Rodríguez also exposed corruption within the process of judge selection, revealing that exams are being sold for up to 186,000 pesos, promoting nepotism.

“There are 8,000 complaints against public officials. Of these, 86% were dismissed without any investigation. Of the remaining complaints that were investigated, the Judicial Council sanctioned only 462 judges and magistrates,” she explained.

Salaries exceed Constitutional limits

Rodríguez reminded the public that Article 127 of the Constitution mandates that no public servant should earn more than the president. While the salary of a Supreme Court Justice is 792,256 pesos per month, a Judicial Council member earns 460,787 pesos, and a Magistrate earns 374,203 pesos. In comparison, the President of the Republic’s monthly salary is 136,700 pesos.

These excesses are compounded by widespread nepotism, with 49% of judicial employees having at least one family member in the branch. Additionally, questionable rulings—often dubbed “sabadazos”—allow individuals convicted of serious crimes to go free.

Federal government not notified of Judge’s Order

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo noted that the federal government had yet to be formally notified of an order issued by Veracruz Judge Nancy Juárez Salas, who called for the repeal of a reform to the Judicial Branch.'

“This district judge granted a definitive suspension to eliminate the reform from the Official Gazette. We’ve learned of this through the media, as we have not been formally notified. Can you imagine? I consulted with the Legal Counsel’s Office, which oversees the Official Gazette, and they confirmed that no such notification has been received in thirty years,” Sheinbaum stated. She clarified that the Amparo Law does not apply to the Constitution, so the Judicial Reform remains in effect.

When asked about the judiciary’s decision to begin daily press briefings, Sheinbaum remarked, “They have the right to do so. But it’s worth questioning why they’re on strike while still receiving their salaries. Over 13,000 cases are stalled. So, if they’re on strike, why are they still being paid?”

Nota publicada originalmente en El Heraldo de México.