Argentina proposes prison reforms to curb illegal communications

Legislators in Argentina are advancing reforms to the penitentiary regime aimed at preventing inmates from coordinating criminal activities from within prisons. A project presented by the La Libertad Avanza party in the Chamber of Deputies seeks to modify the Law of Execution of the Deprivation of Liberty. Key measures include a ban on mobile phones and the regulation of communications through authorized, supervised systems, such as landlines and video calls for legal defense.

The proposal also introduces a mandatory uniform system based on prisoner danger levels (low, medium, and high) using specific color-coded markings. Additionally, it suggests creating a ‘Single Prison Fee’ (AUC) to allow inmates with income to contribute toward their food, medical care, and service costs.

In Mendoza, the provincial government is also moving to toughen sanctions. Security Minister Mercedes Rus announced plans to reclassify cell phone possession from a medium to a serious offense following incidents where inmates participated in live streams on platforms like OmeTV and Kick. The provincial initiative includes installing scanners for bags and bodies in four prisons and establishing disciplinary measures for visitors attempting to smuggle prohibited items.