Mexico: prison for sporting events aggressors

AP FILE PHOTO

MEXICO CITY, Mexico—Mexico’s lower house of Congress has approved a bill that allows for prison terms for fans who engage in violent acts at sporting events.

Lawmakers on Thursday approved the bill that calls for sentences ranging from three days to four years for those who enter stadiums without authorization, throw objects that put lives at risk or engage in physical violence.

The proposal was approved days after fans of the Chivas de Guadalajara punched and kicked a group of police officers during a match between Atlas and Chivas in the city of Guadalajara.

Television images showed at least two policemen lying inert, while soccer fans jumped on top of them or kicked them. Several of the aggressors have been detained.

The bill now must be approved by the Senate.

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