Gov’t Considers Reducing Legal Age for Criminal Accountability to 12 Years
Photo: Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has proposed a potential reduction in the legal age for criminal culpability to 12 years, amidst growing concerns over juvenile delinquency following a disturbing incident of bullying in AA. Rasdhoo.
During a press conference held last evening to address the aforementioned incident, Minister Ihusaan highlighted the challenges faced in tackling crimes against children, citing the current legal age of criminal culpability at 15 years as a primary obstacle. He underscored that more than 200 minors have been involved in criminal activities, with a significant number falling within the 12 to 14-year-old age bracket.
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“Despite their involvement in criminal offences, none of these minors fall within the statutory age of criminal culpability,” stated Minister Ihusaan. “As a result, the existing laws are insufficient to hold them accountable.”
He further disclosed that the government is contemplating a revision to the legal age of criminal liability, potentially lowering it to 12 years in order to address the accountability gap.
The incident in AA. Rasdhoo, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, depicted two teenagers harassing and assaulting a lone child who had attended the local mosque to perform Tarawih prayers on Friday evening. The distressing footage has sparked outrage among the public, with many condemning the actions of the perpetrators.
Numerous individuals, both online and offline, have called for the swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the bullying incident, urging authorities to take decisive action against juvenile offenders.
