The mayor of Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city, announced on Monday a six-month prohibition on prostitution in select neighborhoods, citing the imperative need to prevent the sexual exploitation of minors.
Federico Gutiérrez, the Mayor of Medellín, outlined in a press briefing that the ban will be enforced in the Provenza and El Poblado neighborhoods, known for their vibrant nightlife and popularity among tourists. These areas have witnessed an influx of sex workers soliciting international clientele, with reports of criminal networks exploiting minors in the vicinity.
"Our priority is to regain control of these areas," stated Gutiérrez, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the community.
While adult consensual sex work is legal in Colombia, local authorities retain the authority to temporarily prohibit such activities in specific regions if they pose a threat to public order.
The decision to enforce the ban follows a recent incident where an American man was discovered in a hotel room with two local girls aged 12 and 13, drawing widespread attention from the local media. The individual was briefly detained by police pending investigation before reportedly leaving the country for Florida.
During the press conference, Gutiérrez urged Colombian authorities to expedite the investigation process, lamenting the perception held by some that they can act with impunity in Medellín.
The proliferation of sex work in Medellín correlates with the city's burgeoning tourism industry, attracting visitors with its favorable climate, affordable prices, and lively ambiance. However, concerns have arisen over the safety of tourists engaging with sex workers, both through direct encounters on the streets and via dating apps.
In response to escalating risks, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert in January, cautioning against the use of dating apps in Medellín following a string of incidents involving the deaths and victimization of American citizens. The alert highlighted criminals' exploitation of these platforms to ensnare unsuspecting visitors for nefarious purposes such as drugging, abduction, and robbery.