Medellín, Colombia, bans sex work in two areas after U.S. tourist found with minors
The mayor of Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia, announced a temporary ban on prostitution in two neighborhoods after an American tourist was discovered in a hotel room with two underage girls.
The mayor of Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia, announced Monday a temporary ban on prostitution in two of its neighborhoods, days after an American tourist was discovered in a hotel room with two underage girls, according to The Associated Press.
Mayor Federico Gutiérrez said the ban would affect Provenza and El Poblado, popular destinations for international tourists and local sex workers, and he cited concerns about sex trafficking involving minors.
The ban will be in place for six months, and bars in Lleras Park will be required to close by no later than 1 a.m. over the month of April, according to a statement from the mayor’s office released Monday.
The latest actions "strengthen the measures against sexual and commercial exploitation, especially of girls, boys and adolescents, in areas affected by this crime," according to the statement.
It also states that the mayor's office plans to meet with hotel, restaurant and bar owners "to establish rules around the issue."
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