Chile prepares tougher law for minors, 16-year-olds could face trial as adults for serious crimes

The government of Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast is preparing to submit to parliament a bill предусматривающий tougher punitive measures for minors aged 16 and over involved in serious crimes.

The announcement was made by Security Minister Martin Arau. Under current legislation in Chile, criminal responsibility for adolescents begins at the age of 14; however, juvenile courts hand down lighter sentences than those applied to adults.

This step was taken after the killing of a 12-year-old boy during a robbery targeting his family, in which adolescents are also suspected of having taken part. The case has triggered strong public reaction and revived discussion of a similar legal initiative that had remained stalled since 2022.

Minister Arau clarified that the proposed changes would allow adolescents over the age of 16, accused of murder, arson, rape or other serious offenses, to be treated in court under the same rules that apply to adults.

The date when the bill will be submitted to parliament has not yet been made public, but the government intends to push it through via an urgent procedure. This would leave the two chambers of parliament only six days to approve or reject it.

At the same time, a similar debate is also taking place in Brazil, where parliament is considering constitutional amendments that would lower the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16.