...

Romanian Justice Minister Radu Marinescu announced the creation of a multidisciplinary working group to examine the possibility of lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility for minors. The initiative follows public outcry over a 13‑year‑old’s violent crime and a petition signed by over 250,000 Romanians demanding that those under 14 be held criminally accountable. Marinescu said the group will collaborate with judicial bodies, civil society and European legal experts to assess whether the current 14‑year threshold should be reduced or whether minors could be prosecuted under certain circumstances. The proposal comes amid the brutal murder of 15‑year‑old Mario Berinde in Cenei, Timiș County, where three minors were involved. The working group will meet weekly and aim to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent juvenile crime, including measures on drug use and online content. The government’s move is framed as a response to societal demand for stricter accountability while also acknowledging the need for preventive and rehabilitative policies. { "title": "Romania Justice Minister Proposes Working Group to Reconsider Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility" } { "category": "Politics" } { "tags": [ "Politics", "European Union", "Other" ] } { "countries": [ "Romania" ] } { "cities": [ "Cenei", "Timiș County" ] } { "persons": [ "Radu Marinescu", "Mario Berinde" ] } { "sentiment": "Neutral" }