Mendonça Filho, the rapporteur of the Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) regarding Public Security in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, has stated that he will not remove the provision to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16. This decision follows a meeting with Justice Minister Wellington César Lima e Silva, indicating a continued push for this controversial measure. While the formal text will not change, Filho acknowledged that political parties have the right to present amendments to address this point separately during the voting process.

In advocating for this amendment, Filho argues that Brazil's current standards deviate from international norms, citing examples of other countries like the United States and France where similar laws have been enacted. He contends that the status quo allows organized crime to exploit minors, using individuals under 18 years old to commit serious crimes, including violent homicides, while shielding adult criminals from prosecution.

The proposal is likely to reignite intense debates surrounding juvenile justice and the treatment of young offenders in Brazil, raising questions about the balance between societal protection and rehabilitation. As the House prepares to address the PEC, the discussion will likely involve broader implications for crime prevention strategies in the country and reflect the societal divide over how best to handle young offenders amidst rising violence rates.