Mexican parties propose harsh penalties for officials linked to organized crime

Mexican political parties are proposing legislative reforms to increase penalties for public officials linked to organized crime.

Representative Christian Mishel Bello of the PRI has introduced a proposal to amend the Federal Penal Code to classify certain crimes committed by public servants as treason against the nation. This includes activities such as drug trafficking, fuel smuggling, kidnapping, extortion, and the use of illicit resources. The initiative suggests prison sentences of up to 40 years and fines equivalent to six years of the official's salary. The proposal also aims to categorize corruption involving public funds and unexplained wealth increases as treason.

Simultaneously, the PAN party, through coordinator Elías Lixa, is pushing for even stricter sanctions. Their proposal suggests prison terms ranging from 80 to 140 years for officials connected to drug trafficking, effectively seeking life imprisonment. The PAN initiative also seeks to make these crimes imprescriptible, ensuring they can be investigated regardless of how much time has passed since the offenses occurred.