WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Minister of Justice, Shalten Hato, has presented two significant bills to the parliament aimed at strengthening the legal framework to combat serious crimes on the island. The first proposal seeks to increase the maximum prison sentence for tourist robberies from 4 to 6 years. According to Minister Hato, this measure is necessary to protect the vital tourism sector on the island. 

The second bill focuses on human trafficking, also proposing an increase in the maximum prison sentence from 4 to 6 years. Minister Hato described this as part of a broader effort to combat the severe crime of human trafficking, which he called a serious violation of human rights that deeply affects the victims. 

Hato emphasized that increasing the sentences in both cases is crucial in sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. Both proposals are now under consideration by the Curaçao Parliament.