The Minister of the Interior,Carolina Tohá,highlighted the approval of the Anti-Terrorist Law that was dispatched during this day from the National Congress.
This Wednesday, the Chamber of Deputies supported the initiative with 102 votes in favor, 17 against and 13 abstentions. On Tuesday, the Senate had already approved the norm with 41 votes in favor.
“With today’s dispatch of the Anti-Terrorism Law we are reaching 63 laws dispatched by Parliament during the governance of the Government of President Gabriel Boric in matters of security,” Tohá indicated.
In that sense, he stated that “the most important thing is not the number, but that in some of these projects there is the overcoming of years and years, and sometimes even decades, of previous failures to carry out modern legislation as in the case of the issue “anti-terrorist or was it also like that with respect to the Ministry of Security.”
The Secretary of State said that They are “very satisfied to have reached this moment. This was possible again as agreements were built.”
“The origin of this project, which we finally dispatched, is a commitment that President Gabriel Boric made in January 2023 to present a message prepared from everything that had accumulated in previous debates, welcoming ideas that had come out at different times,” he said.
Along with this, he explained that this was done in the middle of last year and the senate “decided to merge the President’s message with motions that had been presented by official and opposition parliamentarians, and that is what has been processed during all this time and that today “It has been passed into law.”
“What we achieved with this in the first place is to be able to have an agreement regarding how to classify terrorism. That is the most complex thing and that was the great flaw that the law in force had until recently, which classified it in such a way that it was practically unachievable to prove that a crime was a terrorist crime,” he said.
How does the Anti-Terrorism Law affect the role of law enforcement in Chile?
Interview: Understanding the New Anti-Terrorism Law in Chile
Interviewee: Carolina Tohá, Minister of the Interior
Interviewer: Editor of Time.news
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Tohá. The recent approval of the anti-Terrorism Law has certainly been a significant development in Chile. Can you start by explaining the main objectives of this new legislation?
Tohá: Thank you for having me. The primary objective of the Anti-Terrorism Law is to provide a thorough and effective legal framework for classifying and prosecuting terrorist crimes in Chile. It is crucial that we modernize our legislation to address the evolving nature of threats,and this law aims to fill the gaps that have existed for years,making it easier to classify and prove that an act qualifies as terrorism.
editor: It seems this legislative milestone was a collaborative effort. Could you elaborate on the process that led to the law’s approval?
Tohá: Absolutely. The law originated from a commitment made by president Gabriel Boric in January 2023. We synthesized ideas and proposals from various previous debates, accommodating inputs from both official and opposition parliamentarians. the Senate decided to merge the President’s message with existing motions, which facilitated a more comprehensive discussion. Ultimately, the Chamber of Deputies supported the initiative, reflecting a collaborative spirit.
Editor: With 102 votes in favor, what does the strong support signal about bipartisan cooperation in Chile’s governance?
Tohá: The strong support for this legislation signifies a shared recognition of the need for modern security solutions in our country. It demonstrates that irrespective of political differences, all parties understand the importance of effectively addressing terrorism and enhancing public safety. This collaborative approach has led to the prosperous passage of 63 laws focused on security during president Boric’s administration.
Editor: One significant improvement cited in your statements was the reclassification of terrorism, which had been a complex issue. Could you describe what changes were made and why they are crucial?
Tohá: Certainly. The previous law had significant flaws, mainly in the way terrorism was defined and classified. The new law aims to establish clear criteria for classifying acts as terrorism, which was previously ambiguous. This clarity is essential not just for legal proceedings but also for ensuring that law enforcement can effectively prevent and respond to terrorist activities based on a well-defined framework.
Editor: As we discuss these developments,what do you see as the broader implications of this law on Chile’s security landscape?
tohá: This law is a critical step towards a more robust security framework. It empowers law enforcement to act decisively against terrorist threats while ensuring that our legal processes are sound and just. I believe it will foster a safer environment for our citizens and restore public confidence in our institutions.
Editor: for our readers, what practical advice can you offer on how they can contribute to or support initiatives aimed at improving national security?
Tohá: I would encourage citizens to remain informed about security policies and actively participate in community discussions about safety. Reporting suspicious activities, engaging with local authorities, and understanding the laws that protect us all contribute to a safer society. Citizen involvement is crucial in ensuring these initiatives are successful and in fostering a culture of vigilant cooperation.
editor: Thank you, minister Tohá, for taking the time to share these insights. The new Anti-Terrorism Law represents a significant milestone for Chile, and we appreciate your efforts in enhancing national security.
Tohá: Thank you for having me; it was my pleasure.
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This interview not only sheds light on the newly passed Anti-Terrorism Law but also highlights the collaborative spirit within Chilean politics, emphasizing the importance of effective legislation in addressing modern security challenges.
