Mexico and Colombia advance legislative reforms for witness protection and protest regulation

In Mexico, Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla has proposed a federal legal reform to enhance the protection of victims, whistleblowers, and witnesses in criminal proceedings. The initiative seeks to implement technological tools and protocols to safeguard the identity, voice, and image of those cooperating with justice, aiming to combat impunity and address the high rate of unreported crimes caused by fear of retaliation.

In Colombia, a new legislative proposal known as the ‘Ley Anticapuchos’ has reached Congress. Introduced by representatives Jaime Arizabaleta and Julio César Triana, the bill seeks to criminalize the deliberate concealment of identity—such as wearing masks or hoods—when used to facilitate vandalism or other crimes during public protests. The proposal suggests prison sentences ranging from 54 to 96 months and significant fines. While supporters argue the law aims to protect public infrastructure and property, critics warn it could potentially infringe upon the fundamental right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.