Police powers expanded in Chile

Chile, generally the safest country in Latin America, saw a 32% increase in homicides in 2022, attributed in part to Venezuelan gang violence. Over the last month, several police officers have been killed. In response, the government has passed new laws that “stiffen penalties for those who commit crimes against the Carabineros and grant the police privileged self-defense rights,” as reported here. Critics worry about the increased potential for police abuse of their authority, while one observer thinks “In practical terms, it’s not much of a difference … it’s symbolic.”