Mexico's Senate approves property seizure law

[Judi Lynn]

Mexico's Senate approves property seizure law
Thu Apr 2, 10:34 pm ET

MEXICO CITY – Mexico's Senate on Thursday unanimously approved legislation that would allow the government to seize property from suspected drug traffickers and other criminals before they are convicted.

Under existing laws, suspects must first be convicted before their property can be seized and trials often last years in Mexico. The new law allows prosecutors to ask a judge for a seizure order before the end of the trial.

The law covers property bought with income from, or used in connection with, organized crime, drug trafficking, kidnapping, human trafficking or vehicle theft. No compensation would be paid for any property seized.

The bill has been the subject of months of heated debate, with supporters of the law accusing opponents of being soft on drug trafficking. Opponents argue the law leaves property owners — even those who had rented land or houses in good faith — with few means to defend themselves in seizure cases.

More:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090403/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_drug_property;_ylt=AiN60S_VbCWESjgJkNBUetS3IxIF