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More dangerous than Covid: Argentines protest proposed judicial reform

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest outside the Congress building, where a judicial reform is being discussed, in Buenos Aires, on August 27, 2020.

Argentines gathered outside Congress on Thursday (August 27) to protest against proposed judicial reform put forward by the government of President Alberto Fernandez.

The reform seeks to increase the number of federal courts, dilute the power of those that already exist, in what the opposition has labeled as an attempt to manipulate the court system. The motion is under virtual debate by lawmakers in the Senate.

A protester said: To not have liberty is more dangerous than Covid. If we don't protest now then we won't be able to protest ever again. The Republic (reference to Argentine state) is deserving of more caution than Covid, given that one can allegedly be kept safe (from coronavirus) by keeping a distance, without fear. But an Argentine citizen has to concern themselves more with the Republic. It's for everyone."

Another said: "I am here in representation of the many who are out working to save the Republic. We want a rule of law, we want independent institutions, we want a justice system that is not tied up. Simply speaking, this judicial reform at this time will allow for impunity and save the corrupt. Corruption in this country has already taken so many lives. What we want is this: a state of law, a Republic, we want democracy."

Some members of the ruling coalition have cases pending in the courts for corruption, including the current vice president and former president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

The South American country's courts have been repeatedly accused in recent decades of pro-government bias and the reform was one of the first pledges of the new president, Alberto Fernandez on taking office in December.

The government has a majority in the senate, but not in the lower house, where the plan could face amendments or rejection.

(Source: Reuters)


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