He Congress of the capital this Thursday received the initiative from the head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada to combat the crime of extortion, with penalties of up to 15 years in prison.
On behalf of the capital’s president, the Secretary of Government of Mexico City, Cesar Cravioto He went to the legislative headquarters where he delivered the document to the president of the board of directors, Martha Ávila.
Upon receiving the initiative, the legislator promised to be attentive to the respective analysis and ruling process “and to adequately exhaust all the parliamentary procedures that our internal regulations establish.”
You might be interested in: Tlalpan will implement actions against substance consumption
“We are sure that this proposal will contribute to the resolution of this issue, which is surely a concern shared by citizens and the different political forces represented in this Congress”, he concluded.
The initiative seeks to increase the penalties for the crime of extortion and prosecute ex officio the issue of illegitimate collection, known as “gota a gota”, which consists of debt collection by illicit means or by acts of harassment or intimidation.
Regarding sanctions, an increase from 2 thousand to 3 thousand is proposed Update Measurement Unitsas well as sentences of 10 to 15 years in prison.
Related
How can community support initiatives help reduce the prevalence of extortion?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Crime Policy Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a critical issue affecting urban safety—extortion in Mexico City. We’re joined by Dr. Elena Torres, a crime policy expert. Dr. Torres, thank you for being here!
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic and I’m glad to discuss it.
Editor: Recently, the head of the Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, proposed a new initiative to combat extortion, establishing penalties of up to 15 years in prison for offenders. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Dr. Torres: It’s a significant move and shows a commitment to addressing the problem of extortion, which has become alarmingly prevalent in urban settings. Stiff penalties can act as a deterrent, but their effectiveness often depends on how well they are implemented and enforced.
Editor: Absolutely. Can you elaborate on the potential impact of stiffer sentences on crime rates, especially in the context of extortion?
Dr. Torres: Certainly. Research shows that harsh penalties can deter some individuals from committing crimes. However, the context matters—if the enforcement of these laws is weak or if corruption exists within the system, the sentences may not lead to the intended reduction in crime. For extortion, which often thrives in an environment of fear and complicity, simply increasing penalties isn’t a silver bullet.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. What do you believe are some complementary strategies that should accompany these legislative changes to effectively combat extortion?
Dr. Torres: A multifaceted approach is essential. Alongside legal penalties, there should be robust community support services that empower victims to come forward without fear of retaliation. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate citizens about their rights and how to report extortion. Stronger police training and oversight to ensure accountability are also vital, as is investing in socio-economic programs to address the root causes of crime.
Editor: So it sounds like while legislative action is a step in the right direction, a more comprehensive strategy involving community support and enhanced law enforcement practices is necessary.
Dr. Torres: Exactly! Creating a safer community involves not just punitive measures, but fostering an environment where citizens feel safe and supported in reporting crimes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Torres, for your insights. It’s clear that while combating extortion presents challenges, a well-rounded approach can lead to more effective outcomes. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today!
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.