Government and RN push "Law Naín-Retamal 2.0" against PC's modification attempt

Chile's government and the National Renewal (RN) party have joined forces to advance "Law Naín-Retamal 2.0," a legislative push to bolster police authority. This move is a direct response to a proposal by the Communist Party (PC) seeking to repeal fundamental elements of the original Naín-Retamal law, specifically targeting the privileged self-defense rights granted to police officers.

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We need to have order and security forces that feel that support, that they can act calmly, and the Law Naín was a great advance. We must take advantage of that tremendous capital of people who have that commitment to service, the training and, week by week, we see cases of officers who are off-duty and respond to emergency situations.

Following an announcement on Saturday, the Minister of Public Security, Martín Arrau, confirmed on Monday that the government will prioritize two bills aimed at strengthening the Carabineros (Chilean national police). The first bill seeks to establish more severe penalties for individuals who attack uniformed officers. The second bill aims to extend the legal protection of privileged self-defense to officers who are off-duty but still acting in their capacity as law enforcement.

Arrau criticized the PC's initiative, stating that the party "understands very little" about the legislative priorities. He emphasized the need for law enforcement to feel supported in their actions, highlighting the success of the original Naín-Retamal law. "We need to have order and security forces that feel that support, that they can act calmly," he said, noting that the law has been a significant advancement. He also pointed to the increasing number of officers who intervene in emergencies while off-duty, justifying the need for extended legal protections.

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What have those parliamentarians done? They try to pontificate and talk about aggressions, when the aggressors have been the PC itself with its words. It is something that really irritates, hurts, offends each of the family members of each of the martyrs.

RN parliamentarians and leaders, accompanied by the family of the late Carabineros officer Carlos Retamal, have reinforced their agenda, dubbed "Naín-Retamal 2.0." Their proposal includes three additional initiatives: strengthening institutional recognition for Carabineros martyrs, expanding preventive powers for searches and controls in high-risk areas, and increasing penalties for adolescent offenders involved in serious crimes against police officers. Juan Carlos Retamal, father of the fallen officer, strongly condemned the PC's stance, accusing them of hypocrisy and aggression towards the families of fallen officers.

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Carabineros must be respected. That is why today we are going to promote Law Naín-Retamal 2.0 so that a law that has meant so much protection for our police, for victims, and for society is never again attempted to be repealed.