Government plans to lower age threshold for violent crimes by minors

The government will seek to lower the age threshold for minors in violent criminal cases by one year from the current age of 14, according to government sources. The gender ministry and the justice ministry reached a consensus on the change to address concerns over rising crime rates among those in their early teens. Currently, those under 14 cannot be punished even when convicted of a crime.

Background on current rules Minors convicted of crimes are referred to community service programs or sent to youth correctional institutions. A consultative body had earlier recommended maintaining the current age standard. The body later decided to recommend lowering the age limit on a conditional basis amid growing public calls to punish those who commit serious, violent crimes.

Next steps The justice ministry plans to define violent crimes by referring to existing laws that classify murder, robbery, sexual offenses and group assault as such. The revised recommendation is expected to be reported to a Cabinet meeting as early as Tuesday.