ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The Anti-Gang Invoice 2024 was handed within the Decrease Home on Friday, turning into a brand new authorized framework designed to crack down on gang-related actions and introduce harsher penalties, together with treating minors concerned in gangs as adults.
Through the committee’s sitting, opposition legislators, together with Trevor Walker, Sherfield Bowen, and Asot Michael, all raised issues.
Bowen expressed concern concerning the time period’ regulation enforcement authority,’ which provides different companies and the Royal Police Pressure of Antigua and Barbuda the suitable to arrest.
Beneath the brand new laws, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Pressure (ABDF), the Workplace of Nationwide Drug and Cash Laundering Management Coverage (ONDCP), and such different organizations as could also be prescribed by the minister with accountability for public security, the authority to impact an arrest.
Nonetheless, Bowen believes that the facility of arrest ought to solely be with the police.
Michael agreed with him and requested why the Immigration and Customs Departments weren’t a part of the regulation enforcement authority.
In response, Lawyer Basic Sir Steadroy Benjamin suggested Michael that the Invoice was addressing a selected matter regarding gangs and gang-related actions.
Beneath the Invoice, individuals will obtain as much as 10 years in jail for forming a gang, 15 years for being a gang chief, 10 years for falsely claiming gang membership to intimidate or achieve private advantages, and even stiffer penalties for recruiting youngsters into gangs, particularly close to faculties and church buildings.
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