Mexican Senators Declare New Security Law 'Unconstitutional'

Opposition senators in Mexico are preparing a document declaring the newly approved Law of Internal Security "unconstitutional." 

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The Parliamentarians of the Party of the Democratic Revolution and of the Labor Party-Movement of National Regeneration are due to present their case to the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) before January 22.

The document must be signed by 43 parliamentarians, or 33 percent of the members of the Lower House. In order to collect the signatures, Senator Luis Sanchez said he will appeal to senators from the National Action Party and Independents who voted against the law.

The Internal Security Law was approved in Mexico's Upper Chamber on December 14 with 43 votes against. It has been widely criticized for being unconstitutional and violating three articles of the constitution.

The law enshrines the president's ability as commander-in-chief to order the military to perform police duties, such as conducting raids and arresting civilians.

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The executive would not be required to disclose information regarding these deployments meant to "combat organized crime and terrorism" or anything else that threatens "national security." The state can also "suspend human rights" if "society is in serious danger or conflict."

Multiple human-rights groups and international organizations, including the United Nations, have attacked the bill, citing dozens of reported cases of abuse by military personnel over the past 11 years. They say it could usher in greater abuse and impunity.