Chile proposes constitutional reform to combat organized crime

President José Antonio Kast has introduced a constitutional reform proposal as part of his Agenda Against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT) to combat rising insecurity in Chile. The initiative seeks to establish a new constitutional state of exception specifically for public security, allowing the government to temporarily restrict certain constitutional guarantees in areas with high crime rates.

Key components of the proposal include the creation of a registry for criminal organizations and the ability to implement extraordinary measures in 50 identified high-crime neighborhoods. Proposed powers include restrictions on mobility and assembly, expedited seizure of assets, military support for police, and the controversial ability to intercept telecommunications within designated zones without a prior judicial order. The plan also considers differentiated curfews for minors.

While the ruling coalition has indicated support for the project in Congress, it faces opposition regarding the potential overreach of state power and the impact on civil liberties. Separately, student protests have erupted in Santiago against the government's educational reforms, leading to clashes with police.