The mayor of Medellín, Colombia, announced a temporary ban on prostitution in two popular neighborhoods following the discovery of an American tourist in a hotel room with two underage girls. The ban will be in place for six months and affect the Provenza and El Poblado areas, which are known for attracting both international tourists and local sex workers. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez cited concerns about sex trafficking involving minors as the reason for the ban and emphasized the need to protect the community from exploitation.
Bars in Lleras Park will also be required to close by 1 a.m. over the entire month of April as part of the measures to combat sexual and commercial exploitation, especially of children and adolescents, in the affected areas. The mayor’s office plans to work with hotel, restaurant, and bar owners to establish rules around the issue and prevent further incidents of sex trafficking and exploitation in Medellín. Gutiérrez expressed the importance of regaining control of the area and ensuring the safety of the community as a top priority.
While sex work between consenting adults is not illegal in Colombia, local governments have the authority to implement temporary bans on the activity if it threatens public order. The 36-year-old American tourist involved in the incident was briefly detained by police and later released. Mayor Gutiérrez called for a thorough investigation into the case, emphasizing the need to hold individuals accountable for engaging in illegal activities and exploiting vulnerable individuals for their own gain.
The actions taken by the mayor of Medellín aim to address the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation of minors in popular tourist destinations. By implementing a temporary ban on prostitution in key neighborhoods and imposing stricter regulations on bars and businesses, the local government seeks to curb the illegal activities that put vulnerable individuals at risk. The mayor’s office’s commitment to working with stakeholders in the hospitality industry indicates a collaborative effort to establish guidelines and prevent future incidents of exploitation in the city.
Gutiérrez’s statements at the news conference underscore the seriousness of the situation and the need to protect the community from individuals who engage in illegal and harmful behavior. By urging authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident involving the American tourist and underage girls, the mayor demonstrates a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice for victims of exploitation. The actions taken by the mayor reflect a proactive approach to addressing the issue of sex trafficking and exploitation in Medellín, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the community above all else.
Overall, the temporary ban on prostitution and stricter regulations imposed by Mayor Gutiérrez in response to the incident involving an American tourist and minors highlights the city’s commitment to combating sex trafficking and exploitation. By taking decisive action to address these issues, the local government aims to protect vulnerable individuals, uphold public safety, and maintain the integrity of popular tourist destinations in Medellín. The mayor’s call for collaboration with businesses and stakeholders underscores the importance of a unified effort to prevent further incidents of exploitation and ensure the well-being of the community.
