MADRID: Judges and prosecutors across Spain are taking to the streets to protest against a Justice Ministry reform they claim increases their workload, reduces some of their powers and restricts justice for those on lower income.

Some 200 magistrates and prosecutors blew whistles and cut off traffic outside the Justice Ministry in central Madrid.

Many carried placards reading “Justice R.I.P.''. Other said “We want to do justice for all not just those with money.''

The ministry's reforms were part of the Spanish government's austerity measures.

The judiciary also opposes a decision to hike tariffs for people appealing court rulings, a measure they say discriminates against the low-paid.

Friday's rallies were the latest of a series against the conservative government, which is battling against recession and 25 per cent unemployment.—AP