I fought the law ...

Operacion Libertad is the name of the get-tough crime policy of President Ricardo Maduro, a businessman and political newcomer who took office in which in 2001 on a promise to effectively outlaw gangs. The anti-gang measures, considered extreme by many but applauded by others, authorize the police to arrest young people who congregate on corners or who have tattoos. Some have taken it upon themselves to have their gang markings removed-a slow and painful process. But that's nothing compared to the possible jail time: up to 12 years. In the last five months, Honduran police say they have arrested 3,000 suspects and the number is rising fast. The government says that just two weeks after introducing such strong measures, the crime rate fell 25%. The job now, however, is to prepare the country's already-crowded jails for the massive influx of decommissioned criminals. Some 40,000 to 70,000 Honduran youths are affiliated with gangs and could be jailed under the law. Many are instead fleeing to neighboring countries, creating problems there instead.