Estado de México approves up to 36 years in prison for acid violence

The united commissions of the State of Mexico Congress have approved legislative reforms to increase penalties for acid or chemical violence. The modifications to the state Penal Code and the Law on Women's Access to a Life Free of Violence aim to reclassify these attacks, ensuring they are no longer treated as simple injuries.

The new decree establishes a base sentence of up to 15 years in prison for intentional injuries caused to women, girls, or adolescents using acids, corrosive substances, chemicals, or high-temperature liquids. If the attack results in permanent disfigurement of the face, head, neck, breasts, or genitals, or causes the permanent loss of an organ or sense, penalties will increase to between 10 and 20 years.

Sentences can reach a maximum of 36 years when combined with existing sanctions for injuries that endanger life. Aggravating factors include crimes committed by public servants or those involving a relationship between the aggressor and victim, such as kinship, cohabitation, employment, or sentimental ties.