A curfew is the restriction of free transit at certain times of the day, it is dictated in cities or states and for different reasons. In general, citizens are warned or prohibited from free movement on public roads. This is a governmental measure that comes from the executive branch. In these exceptional circumstances, where traffic or permanence on the streets of a city during certain hours is prohibited, it has the purpose of guaranteeing collective security.
What is curfew
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It consists of a restriction of the free movement of citizens on the street, which is established by the governmental authorities of a nation. In this period of time, citizens must remain in their homes until the measure is lifted, the only exceptions being emergency cases.
The curfews may be limited to a fixed schedule during the day or night, depending on the circumstances. Free movement is a human right, which is limited only in special situations, such as wars, pandemics or internal shocks, to guarantee the safety of citizens.
The origin of the term may be due to the meaning of "stay", which is the time of night where in some towns it was warned with the ring of the bell that it was time to go home, or in the militia the touch of remains trumpet or drum. The term curfew in English is curfew.
Origin of the curfew
The concept was known in Germany in the rise of the Third Reich, between 1933 and 1945 for Jews, who had to refrain from leaving their homes or entering certain places; in the United States in California, Washington and Oregon applied to the Japanese and later to African-American citizens.
The measure has been replicated by the other countries in situations of political and social destabilization, such as acts of terrorism, violent protests, assassinations, coups, attacks, among others, for which it has had to resort to the restriction of freedom circulation of citizens.
The curfew for young people has been maintained on a daily basis. In some countries the measure is applied to minors under 16 years of age, others to minors under 18, according to the legislation of each nation. This is to avoid adolescents staying in public places after a certain hour and preventing them from becoming victims of a crime or perpetuating one.
Similarly, in the face of conflicts that have arisen in different countries due to violence towards specific groups of the population. That is why in countries like Mexico, a proposal has already emerged for a curfew for women to prevent them from going out after 10 at night, due to the high rates of femicides (7 every 24 hours).
Characteristics of a curfew
- It is restrictive for circulation on the street, some public places or certain activities.
- It obeys a circulation schedule and another where they must be kept.
- It is applied when there is a conflict or critical situation that threatens the integrity of citizens.
- It is the consequence of a state of exception or alarm.
- Failure to comply may lead to arrest or the application of force.
Examples of curfew
One of the main examples was Chile's curfew during the period of the military dictatorship, which began in 1973 to 1987 throughout that country.
Another example is the curfew in Colombia, applied on several occasions for political reasons, such as that of 1970, in which a state of siege was declared and consequently a curfew, due to electoral cheating.
In Venezuela, the government implemented a curfew for the well-being of citizens, due to the demonstrations that students carried out against the government in 1989.
On the other hand, the curfew in Mexico is not contemplated in the Constitution of that country. However, rumors have spread that during the pandemic unleashed in 2020 it would be established, but it has not been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curfew
What is the curfew?
It is a measure in which free movement through the streets is limited at a specific time, as a protection measure against an extraordinary situation.
