Government to reduce of criminal liability age to 12 amidst rising concerns

07 Apr 2024 | 09:00
Press conference held on Saturday

In response to growing concerns over juvenile crimes, Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusan has revealed that the government is contemplating reducing the legal age for criminal liability to 12 years.

This announcement came during a press conference held on Saturday evening, following a disturbing bullying incident in AA. Rasdhoo.

The current government is considering changing the legal age of criminal liability to 12 years

Minister Ihusan stated

He cited examples from other countries where similar age thresholds exist, such as 10 years in England and 11 years in certain states of the United States.

Highlighting the challenge posed by the current legal age of 15 years, Ihusan pointed out that over 200 minors with criminal records are below this threshold, including many aged 12, 13, and 14 years.

He emphasized the inadequacy of existing laws to hold these minors accountable for their offenses.

To address these issues comprehensively, the minister affirmed the government's commitment to finding a solution.

He also announced plans for extensive preventive anti-bullying programs in collaboration with the police and relevant authorities, aiming to prevent incidents like the one that occurred on Friday.

The incident in question involved a distressing video circulating on social media, depicting two teenagers bullying and assaulting a 13-year-old boy in a mosque restroom during Tarawih prayers.

The footage has sparked outrage among the public, with calls for the perpetrators to be swiftly apprehended and dealt with.

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