The Legislature of Córdoba passed a new Juvenile Criminal Procedure law this Wednesday, which establishes the application of institutional safeguard measures for minors under 16 who have committed serious crimes. The adolescents covered by the law will be housed in a special area within the Complejo Esperanza, with containment and monitoring measures.
The project received broad support in the chamber, with backing from the ruling party, Juntos por el Cambio, and other opposition sectors, while leftist legislator Luciana Echevarría and dissident Justicialist Federico Alesandri voted against it.
Key points of the new regulation
The new law establishes that when a minor under 16 commits a serious crime, the Juvenile Criminal Judge may:
- Archive the case, if it is considered that their age excludes them from criminal responsibility.
- Order socio-educational measures, to address the case without deprivation of liberty.
- Order institutional safeguard, in exceptional situations and for up to three months, with the possibility of a 90-day extension.
In cases of serious crimes, such as homicide, aggravated robbery with weapons, or serious injuries, the judge must involve the Juvenile Criminal Prosecutor, who will verify the existence of the act and the minor's involvement.
An exclusive space in the Complejo Esperanza
The institutional safeguard in Córdoba means that the adolescent can't leave on their own, remaining at the disposal of the Justice system in a special sector of the Complejo Esperanza. The objective is to ensure progressive measures for social reintegration, avoiding direct entry into the penitentiary system.
From the ruling party, legislator Miguel Siciliano explained that the initiative seeks to provide tools to the Justice system and the Executive to effectively address the problem of minors in conflict with the law.
