SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Souvenirs of Escobar May Be Banned

Souvenirs depicting the late drug lord Pablo Escobar should be banned in Colombia, according to a new bill.

» Updated: 09 September 2024

» Published: 06 August 2024

Souvenirs of Escobar May Be Banned
Photo: Fernando Vergara/AP/TT

According to the proposal, those who sell souvenirs featuring Escobar or other criminals will be fined an equivalent of approximately 1,800 Swedish kronor. Even individuals who wear caps, t-shirts, and other garments with the drug lord's image may be fined.

The proposal has received both criticism and praise: For souvenir vendors, it is a significant source of income.

Many people make a living from this, says Rafael Nieto, who sells refrigerator magnets and t-shirts with a picture of Pablo Escobar's Colombian ID card.

He claims that the souvenirs are in high demand among tourists from the USA, Europe, and other Latin American countries. Banning the sale is an attempt to restrict freedom of speech, he believes.

On the other hand, those in favor of the ban argue that it is time to wash away the country's reputation as a haven for mafia bosses.

There are other ways to sell our country to the world, says Cristian Avendaño from Colombia's Green Party, who has drafted the proposal.

The party also wants the Colombian government to investigate how many people live on selling Escobar-related products and how much the market is worth.

The proposal must be approved by Congress before it can come into effect.

Pablo Escobar was the leader of the so-called Medellín cartel and is believed to have ordered the murder of around 4,000 people. He was shot dead in 1993.

Corrected: In an earlier version, the incorrect fine amount was stated.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Soldier Sentenced - Forced Palestinians to Make Animal Noises
1 MIN READ

Soldier Sentenced - Forced Palestinians to Make Animal Noises

Trump suggests that Israel give Gaza to the USA
1 MIN READ

Trump suggests that Israel give Gaza to the USA

Many killed in clashes in southern Sudan
1 MIN READ

Many killed in clashes in southern Sudan

EU: We stand firm on the two-state solution
1 MIN READ

EU: We stand firm on the two-state solution

French Flights to Ukraine
1 MIN READ

French Flights to Ukraine

The High-Rise Building Will Be Demolished – Seven Years After the Deadly Fire
1 MIN READ

The High-Rise Building Will Be Demolished – Seven Years After the Deadly Fire

Colombia's President: Cocaine No Worse Than Whisky
1 MIN READ

Colombia's President: Cocaine No Worse Than Whisky

Two years later – half a million without proper housing
1 MIN READ

Two years later – half a million without proper housing

Musk's access to sensitive payment systems slowed down
2 MIN READ

Musk's access to sensitive payment systems slowed down

Guatemala wants to receive migrants from the USA
1 MIN READ

Guatemala wants to receive migrants from the USA

Israel: Gaza residents may move to Norway
2 MIN READ

Israel: Gaza residents may move to Norway

Sharp warning about EU camps for deportees
1 MIN READ

Sharp warning about EU camps for deportees

Shock Tactics Behind Statements on Gaza and Greenland
3 MIN READ

Shock Tactics Behind Statements on Gaza and Greenland

Mexican soldiers deployed at the border with the USA
1 MIN READ

Mexican soldiers deployed at the border with the USA

The President: Panama withdraws from Chinese investment
1 MIN READ

The President: Panama withdraws from Chinese investment

Niger orders Red Cross to leave the country
1 MIN READ

Niger orders Red Cross to leave the country

Stole 100,000 eggs – in the midst of the price surge
1 MIN READ

Stole 100,000 eggs – in the midst of the price surge

Fire has killed 17 students in Nigeria
1 MIN READ

Fire has killed 17 students in Nigeria

Israel boycotts UN Human Rights Council
1 MIN READ

Israel boycotts UN Human Rights Council

Now Musk has the money: "Can't get more dangerous"
3 MIN READ

Now Musk has the money: "Can't get more dangerous"