The Argentine government celebrates the legislative approval of lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14, while opposition voices argue it exacerbates insecurity.
The Argentine Chamber of Deputies has approved a new juvenile criminal regime that lowers the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years. This shift has sparked intense political reactions, with the ruling government proclaiming that it will end impunity for serious crimes committed by minors. The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, emphasized that ‘a minor who kills will pay,’ highlighting a toughened approach to juvenile crime that aims to hold young offenders accountable without exemption based on age.
In contrast, opposition parties have expressed strong discontent with the decision, arguing that the new law does not effectively address the underlying issues of insecurity and juvenile delinquency in Argentina. Critics claim that rather than resolving the situation, lowering the age of responsibility could potentially worsen the problem, as it may lead to an increase in the criminalization of youth without providing adequate solutions or support systems for rehabilitation and social integration.
This legislative change marks a significant shift in the Argentine justice system's approach to juvenile offenders. The debate raises critical questions about the balance between accountability for crimes and the need for rehabilitation of young individuals. As families mourn victims of juvenile crime, this contentious issue is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming months, prompting discussions on how best to prevent crime while also protecting the rights and futures of young people in Argentina.
