Since the alleged gang rape of a girl (12) became known, while the suspects themselves were not yet 14 years old, waves have been rising. Should the age of criminal responsibility be lowered in Austria? What are the pros and cons?
The alleged gang rape of a 12-year-old has reignited the debate over the criminal responsibility of minors. Especially because some of the 17 alleged perpetrators are not yet 14 years old – and therefore cannot be prosecuted.
“Not a suitable remedy”
Criminal sociologist Veronika Hofinger and the juvenile criminal law department in the judges’ association do not have much to say about Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s (ÖVP) proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 14 years for crimes such as rape or serious bodily injury. For Hofinger, this would be “absolutely fair legislation” and not appropriate. The judges do not regard imprisonment as a primarily suitable means of combating child and youth crime.
“We are unanimous that lowering the limit on criminal liability will achieve nothing. Experience shows that a twelve-year-old often does not recognize the injustice of his actions or does not act with guilt or insight into the crime,” says Andreas Hautz, board member of the specialist group and who has worked as a juvenile judge in Vienna for 25 years. To prevent children from criminal behavior, prevention and street work are the right tools. Locking up children achieves nothing,” said Hautz.
It’s no secret that child and youth crime is increasing overall. The most common crimes committed by minors are theft, bodily harm and property damage.
“The percentage has risen, more and more minors are becoming criminals,” said Petra Huber-Lintner, head of general crime at the Federal Criminal Police Office.
The key is preventive work
Lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years also cannot count on Huber-Lintner’s approval. This would not reduce the number of crimes.
“Criminal prosecution is not the key to the solution. “If that were the case, we wouldn’t have any repeat offenders over the age of 14,” she says. And placing 13-year-olds in a closed psychiatric institution is also only a short-term solution. The expert sees the key in preventive work. This is important to remove young people from the cycle of crime.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
