Honduras Congress backs penal reform imposing life sentences for attacks on security personnel

The Defence Commission of the Honduran National Congress approved a draft law that would add three new articles to the Penal Code to increase penalties for crimes against members of the armed forces, police, prison staff, criminal investigators, prosecutors, judges and other judicial officials. The proposal inserts a new offense of "Attack against institutions and security bodies" and sets a mandatory life sentence for anyone who kills a security or judicial officer in the line of duty. Preparatory acts such as conspiracy or hiring hit‑men would carry prison terms of 20‑25 years, with higher sentences for organized‑crime groups and attempted offenses ranging from 20 to 28 years.

The measure, presented by Congress President Tomás Zambrano and defended by Commission President Kilvett Bertrand, aims to strengthen legal protection for those confronting organized crime and to signal a tougher stance against attacks on state authorities. The draft will be forwarded to the Congressional Secretariat for scheduling a full plenary debate.