Querétaro to Ban Narcocorridos at Public Events

Querétaro Governor Mauricio Kuri announced that the state will prohibit the performance or playing of music that glorifies crime and promotes violence at public events.

“We are not against any genre, but rather against the perversion of any of them. This is not about silencing voices. It’s about protecting values,” he stated.

Therefore, he urged the presidents of the 18 municipalities to take the necessary measures to ensure that this decree is not only in force but also effective throughout the state.

He indicated that in Querétaro, the performance or playing of music that glorifies violence, glorifies crime, or promotes a culture of crime will not be permitted at public events, plazas, auditoriums, stadiums, entertainment centers, fairs, and any other public venue.

In a video on social media, the state leader stated that the state is not an island and is not exempt from the problems that plague the country.

“We are not against any gender, but against the perversion of any of them. This is not about silencing voices. It’s about protecting values.”

“We are protecting our children and young people, our society, from messages that distort, that seduce with false glory through fear, hatred, wealth, or the power that comes from crime.”

What is apology for crime?

According to the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), the word apology comes from Greek and means “to speak in defense.” Therefore, in the context of a crime or alleged criminals, it is defined as praise for someone or something, whether written, visual, or verbal.

In the legal framework, the apology of crime is conceived as a premeditated act that seeks to glorify the crime or the perpetrator, as exemplified by the so-called narcocorridos or corridos tumbados that address drug trafficking in Mexico.

It is important to emphasize that the apology of crime is different from freedom of expression, as these ideas or opinions can harm third parties or endanger public order; therefore, statements alluding to drug trafficking exceed the permitted limit.

Chapter VII of the Federal Penal Code states that the apology of crime is punishable by up to years in prison and a heavy fine.