Jealousy Becomes Criminal Offense in Mexico

Jealousy becomes criminal.

Mexican men who display extreme jealousy or avoid sex with their wives could be tried in court and punished under a new law, the special prosecutor for crimes against women says.

Special prosecutor Alicia Elena Perez Duarte has told Excelsior newspaper that men who phone their wives every half hour to check up on them, constantly suspect them of infidelity or try to control the way they dress are committing the crime of jealousy.

Those who stop talking to their wives, avoid sex or try to convince suspicious spouses they are “crazy” even if the men are caught red-handed having an affair are guilty of indifference, she said.

Men found guilty of jealousy or indifference could face up to five years in prison, the newspaper said.

Mexico’s individual states will determine the punishments.

The new law was passed this month to protect women from domestic violence.