Mexican Congress OKs terror finance bill

Mexico's lower house of Congress passed a bill Tuesday that provides up to 40 years in prison for people convicted of financing terrorist groups.

The bill, approved 413-12 with six abstentions, also authorizes prosecutors to track and obtain information from finance and tax authorities on suspicious transactions.

The Senate approved the measure last year and President Felipe Calderon was expected to put it into effect by publishing it in the government's official gazette.

Some legislators worried the measure would make Mexico more vulnerable to pressure from other countries to prosecute or extradite suspects captured on Mexico soil. But others said it would empower Mexican prosecutors by allowing them to try such cases at home.

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