A recent event in Chile has exposed an unprecedented security crisis in the country, with the charred bodies of three carabineros found, killed in an ambush in the south. This has led to debates on security measures and sparked discussions on new rules regarding the use of force by the police and Armed Forces, as well as the creation of a separate Ministry of Security.
Conservative deputy Johannes Kaiser introduced a bill to reinstate the death penalty for those convicted of murdering police officers or members of the Armed Forces. Public security specialist Jorge Araya Moyra highlighted that violence in Chile is increasing due to drug and weapons trafficking, illegal immigration, and organized crime. The homicide rate has increased from 2.6 to 4.5 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2019 and 2023.
The situation has affected the popularity of left-wing president Gabriel Boric, with only 24% of Chileans approving of his administration. Boric initially supported measures to remove powers from the police but had to change his stance due to the security crisis. Stricter measures against illegal immigrants and increased dialogue with the carabineros have been implemented, but it remains unclear whether these measures will be effective in addressing rising crime rates in Chile.
Similar challenges face Ecuador in combatting organized crime and preventing further violence. The country is at a crossroads when it comes to security, and government action will determine whether crime rates continue their upward trajectory or stabilize.
In conclusion, Chile is facing a significant challenge when it comes to reducing its crime rates. The recent ambush on carabineros highlights this issue’s urgency and underscores how important it is for policymakers to take decisive action that addresses root causes such as drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and organized crime while also respecting human rights concerns.
