INTERVIEW | Pilar Lizana speaks with ADN about the increase in homicides

“One of the three countries with the highest increase in homicides”: lawyer addresses the rise in crime in Chile

“It is related to the consolidation of the new criminality we are witnessing,” stated Pilar Lizana, a lawyer specializing in security, defense, and drug trafficking.

Listen to the interview below:

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In a recent report from InSight Crime Ranking, an increase in the homicide rate and the type of crime currently present was reported. This is a topic that has priority on the national agenda and concerns the public.

While the lawyer acknowledges that according to studies, “Chile continues to maintain one of the lowest homicide rates” in the region, she described this data as “concerning“.

“In comparison to ourselves, it is very concerning that in 12 months we have increased by a full point, that we are one of the three countries with the highest increase in homicides“, she mentioned.

Regarding the complexity of the issue and what lies behind it, she stated that “it is related to the consolidation of the new criminality we are seeing in the country.”

With a mutation in the type of crime currently present, there is a criminality “much more violent“. Additionally, Lizana indicated that “it stems from what we have seen throughout 2022, regarding the power struggle between gangs.”

“There is also much greater access to weapons. The figures throughout the year have shown that modified blank-firing guns for use with lethal ammunition have been increasing,” she added.

A new type of crime

The lawyer emphasized that “there is a constant challenge to the authorities from criminals,” which exacerbates the increase in both the quantity and nature of crime in Chile.

One aspect she highlighted in this regard is that “with the arrival of foreign gangs, a new way of committing crimes is also arriving“.

“In general, these gangs are much more violent and have brought more violent methods. But at the same time, criminality also observes the actions of the State. And from those actions of the State, they also receive their messages,” she pointed out.

“When we see that penalties are sometimes not very effective (…) that —the crimes— can even result in monthly reporting or the payment of a fine, that also speaks to criminality about the context“, she added.

Perception of justice

Along with the increase in crime in recent years, attention is also drawn to the perception that people and victims have of the relevant institutions, as well as the State.

“The trust of the public regarding punishment and the prosecution of crimes, especially concerning the work of the courts, the prosecutors, and justice in general, has been declining“, asserted Pilar Lizana.

Additionally, she pointed out that, according to recent reports, “reports of crimes have also decreased. This is indicative of —the perception—. ‘Why should I report if I really won’t achieve anything?’”

From the lawyer’s perspective, this also proves to be a key point, as she asserts that “reporting is a very important tool to pursue this type of crime.”

Source: ADN Radio