Protest as Argentina judicial reform bill debated

Demonstrators groups gared outside Argentina's Congress in Buenos Aires on Thursday to protest government's controversial justice reform project.

Meanwhile, inside building, senators discussed legislation which, according to opposition, seeks to protect Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

Fernández de Kirchner faces numerous formal investigations into allegations of money laundering and criminal association.

She also faces trial on charges that she covered up role of Iranians alleged to be tied to a 1994 terrorist bombing at a Buenos Aires Jewish centre that killed 85 people.

Thursday's debate was led by vice president herself as he of Senate.

One of objections from opposition group, Toger for Change, is that bill aims to dilute power of federal courts dealing with hot cases of alleged political corruption.

Or critics point out initiative gives priority to excessive creation of courts, leing to an unjustified increase in public spending.

According to Argentine President Alberto Fernández, project aims to "consolidate an independent justice system" that will succeed in reversing " crisis" of credibility affecting federal jurisdiction.

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