Senator Antonio Taveras Guzman Taveras introduced a resolution during the 7 January 2025 Senate session urging the judiciary to expedite the implementation of the law.
He criticized the Attorney General’s Office and the Supreme Court for their inaction in implementing the Asset Forfeiture Law. The law seeks to combat government corruption and organized crime, Noticias SIN reports.
Despite being approved by Congress on 28 July 2022, the law, which provides a legal framework for seizing assets obtained through illicit activities, has yet to be enforced by the judicial system.
Taveras, the original proponent of the law, criticized the Attorney General’s Office and the Supreme Court for failing to take the necessary steps to put the law into action. “It is incredible that after a year and four months, the Attorney General’s Office and the Public Ministry have not been able to implement this important law,” he stated.
The senator pointed out that the law was granted a one-year grace period to allow for its implementation, but this deadline has long since passed. He introduced a resolution calling on the judiciary to expedite the process and begin using the law to target illicitly obtained assets.
“This law represents a major victory for the Senate in the fight against corruption,” Taveras emphasized. “It is a powerful tool that can be used to dismantle criminal organizations and recover stolen wealth.”
The senator’s comments highlight the frustration of lawmakers and anti-corruption advocates who have been waiting for the law to be enforced. The delay has raised questions about the government’s commitment to combating corruption and organized crime.
Taveras also spoke in favor of actions being taken by new Minister of Interior and Police, former National District senator Faride Raful to combat chaos and noise in the capital city, as reported in Diario Libre.
Read more in Spanish:
Noticias SIN
Diario Libre
8 January 2025