Bill to Increase Penalties for ‘Turbazos’ to Be Voted in Chamber of Deputies

Original article: Proyecto que aumenta sanciones por «turbazos» será votado en la Sala de la Cámara

Unanimously, the Citizen Security Commission of the Chamber approved a bill aimed at increasing penalties for crimes committed by crowds, commonly referred to as «turbazos.»

The initiative (bill 17235) is now set to be discussed and voted on in the Chamber.

Specifically, the bill amends the Penal Code to create a special category of theft committed by tumult. Through a unique article, it establishes that «the appropriation of money or goods committed in a property dedicated to housing, commercial premises, or offices shall be considered robbery and punished with a major prison sentence ranging from five years and one day to 15 years,».

Furthermore, the text adds that this occurs «when such actions, commonly known as ‘turbazos,’ are perpetrated by a group of individuals taking advantage of a tumult or crowd, without direct violence or intimidation against individuals.»

According to the Chamber’s bulletin, during the debate in the Commission, members highlighted that the bill aims to include, with this figure, an aggravating factor of general intimidation due to the nature of the incident, even if no violent action is directed against a specific person.

We will keep you updated.