The Chamber of Deputies and Deputies dispatched to law the projects that increase the penalties for crimes of carrying weapons and kidnapping. The foregoing, within the framework of the agreement between the Executive and the Legislature to expedite the processing of this type of initiative after the murder of the second sergeant of the Carabineros, Rita Olivares.
Specifically, the project that increases the penalties for the crime of carrying weapons or explosive devices was approved with 142 votes in favor, and provides that convictions for carrying firearms and their parts, devices and pieces, carried out without the corresponding authorization , increase from 3 years and one day to 4 years and one day.
Regarding the possession of a firearm in highly crowded places, the sentence will increase to prison in its maximum degree, which translates into a sentence of 15 years and one day to 20 years. The legislation will apply to all those who carry the aforementioned artifacts on public roads, public buildings or freely accessible; educational establishments, health centers, free fairs, markets and shopping centers.
Likewise, sports shows or events, means of public transport, sanitary facilities, fuel storage or transport facilities, distribution facilities or electricity generation, ports, airports or railway stations, bus stations and, in general, everything are also included. means of transporting cargo or people or other similar places.
Regarding the bill on kidnapping, the parliamentarians approved and signed into law the modification of the Penal Code that seeks to discourage the commission of the crime and persuade the release of kidnapping victims. It was endorsed by 141 votes in favor and only one abstention.
It should be noted that the current legislation punishes those who detain a person with the purpose of obtaining a ransom, imposing demands or eliciting decisions with a higher prison sentence in its minimum to medium degree.
Now, with the implementation of this initiative, the same penalty will be applied when the detention or confinement exceeds 24 hours. The penalty will also be increased when the kidnapped person is subjected to rape, castration, homicide or serious injuries. Thus, the penalties will begin with life imprisonment and may reach qualified life imprisonment.
