Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has approved a controversial bill to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years, reflecting a tough stance on crime advocated by President Javier Milei.
On Thursday, Argentina's Chamber of Deputies voted to reduce the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14 years, passing the measure with 149 votes in favor and 100 against after an extensive eight-hour debate. This change is part of a broader reform initiative led by President Javier Milei, who has been vocal about implementing stricter measures to combat crime, a theme that has consistently featured in his political rhetoric since his election.
The proposed legislation, now set to proceed to the Senate for final approval, embodies a philosophy of 'adult crime, adult punishment' as articulated by Milei. The reform aims to establish a new juvenile criminal regime, which critics fear may lead to harsher penalties for young offenders. Advocates argue that the change is necessary to address increasing concerns over juvenile delinquency, positioning it as a necessary step in responding to public demands for safety and justice.
Milei's administration has made tough-on-crime policies a priority, and the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility has been one of the first initiatives brought to Congress since he took office. This move signals a shift in Argentina's approach to youth crime, raising questions about the implications for young people in the justice system, and the balance between punitive measures and rehabilitation efforts as society grapples with rising crime rates.
