Two massacres in Chile: A call to strengthen public security

Two massacres in Chile: A call to strengthen public security

an increase in violence

Chile has experienced a significant increase in violence in recent years. From 2014 to 2023 the murder cases rose by 60%, while sexual assault and robberies have also increased. The sub -Secretaría de Prevención del Delito reported that 577 murders were registered by June 2023, which is 5 % increase in comparison to the previous year.

The Metropolitana region, which also includes the cities of Quilicura and Lampa, recorded 40 % of all murder cases in the country. These worrying statistics are clear indicators that the security situation in Chile, especially in urban areas, urgently needs attention.

Day of horror: The massacres in Quilicura and Lampa

On July 14, 2023, four young people, between 14 and 17, were cruel in Quilicura, north of Santiago. They had celebrated a birthday party in an apartment and were shot by a group of armed attackers when igniting a fire. A witness reported up to 30 shots that were fired from a vehicle. All four boys lost their lives in a place that was intended for celebrations.

Just two days later, on July 16, 2023, another tragedy occurred in Lampa during a unauthorized celebration, in which predominantly foreign guests took part. A dispute led to a shootout in which five people died, including well -known drug dealers such as the Venezuelan Yehiklin Jiménez, whose connection to international drug gangs such as the Tren de Aragua is of considerable importance.

The role of organized crime

Pablo Zeballos, an expert in security and crime, indicates an alarming development in Chile: the spread of extreme violence and the increasing complexity of crime structures. The expert says that local gangs have to adapt to a successful organizational model in order to be able to compete in the competition. This change is worrying because it threatens the structure of public security.

The current crimes in Chile are not only reflected in individual tragedies, but also indicate a broader trend that is a serious challenge for society. The increasing phenomenon of blackmail, which is already widespread in other countries of Latin America, also begins to gain a foothold in Chile.

government measures and public reactions

both opposition and some government -related politicians demanded extensive measures. President Gabriel Boric announced that it is designed to build a new high -security prison that is specially designed for the control of the leading criminal of organized crime. Boric emphasized that it was important to maintain control over the prisons and not to repeat the mistake of other countries where the organized crime won the upper hand.

The Minister of State Carolina Tohá excluded a state of emergency, but admitted that the involvement of the military was not excluded. The call for a stronger military presence on the streets reflects the growing concern of citizens about their security.

A new security concept is required

The government's procedure is considered by many as a necessary but not sufficient measure. Experts like Zeballos warn that a new high-security prison alone will not solve the problem without carrying out comprehensive reforms in the judicial and prison system. The development of an effective model to separate prisoners after their criminal commitment could have a real influence on rehabilitation and reducing violence in prisons.

The coming months will be crucial to find out whether the government's measures are effective and whether Chile is able to combat the growing threat from organized crime before it is too late.

- Nag