The Chilean town that prohibited minors from going out alone at night; there will be fines for parents

The decision of the city council of the coastal town Chilean de Zapallar to prohibit minors from going out at night without the company of an adult has unleashed a bitter controversy in the country on Tuesday, where there are doubts about the legality of a measure that punishes parents and seems to undermine the individual liberties.

The restrictive ordinance was approved this Monday by the corporation, which led by the mayor of the right-wing Independent Democratic Union (UDI) party, Gustavo Alessandri, by five votes in favor, one against and one abstention, and for it to enter into force it must be endorsed by the State Comptroller’s Office, in the midst of controversy.

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“Persons in charge of children under 16 years of age must ensure that, in the event that they circulate or transit through the territory of the commune between 00:00 and 05:00, they do so safely, accompanied by a person of legal age who avoids their exposure to risk behaviors, such as the consumption of alcohol or drugs and other risk circumstances.says the municipal edict.

Adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 will be obliged, for their part, to “carry a contact number” that determines “the place and condition in which the minor is located”, adds.

FINES AND LIABILITY FOR PARENTS

alessandriwho pointed directly to the parents, whom he accused last week of not caring about their children, assures that “This is not a curfew” and was justified by arguing that It aims to “protect the rights of children who are being used to commit crimes.”

“It is a very bastard measure, but we have no other choice”, said the mayor of Zapallara town located about 160 kilometers northwest of the capital.

In this context, another focus of controversy is the decision of the corporation of economically punish parents whose children are seen alone at night on the streets of this town, one of the busiest during the summer holidays.

According to the ordinance, families may be sanctioned with a fine between approximately 63 and 189 dollarsdepending on the severity, and from $189 to $316 if you are a repeat offender.

Several legal experts have assured EFE that the fine is, in reality, a ruse by the mayor and the councilors to avoid a rule “that violates individual rights, since no one can be arrested for the simple fact of walking down the street.” .

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.