Homeland Security Minister Ihusan emphasizes the importance of protecting children from being involved in crimes, while highlighting it is imperative that related laws are amended accordingly in a timely manner.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has expressed concerns regarding the delays faced in bringing about timely amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Juvenile Justice Symposium today, Minister Ihusan pointed out that there are elements within the criminal fraternity that abuse and misuse the leniencies provided under the Act.
While noting the importance of the Act itself, the Minister said that there are unscrupulous people who take advantage of the leniencies granted under the Act to children who engage in crime. He claimed that the frequent delays in amending such laws prevent the laws from being revised at the speed that criminals conduct their activities.
"In such a sensitive matter, there has only been one amendment made since 2019. Day and night, all our law enforcement authorities are pointing out the amendments that these laws need. And yet, this is not given due importance," Ihusan said.
He called on the concerned institutions to bring to a stop the practice of having endless discussions and exchange of correspondence between each other and instead, focus on taking swift action. He emphasized the importance of preventing persons from entering a life of crime.
"Our objective must be to decrease our habit of endless exchange of correspondence between institutions, and instead prioritize real action. Who will be responsible at 15 years, who will be responsible at 18 years, this is not where our focus must be. Our goal must be to identify who can protect the child," the minister said.
Ihusan also pointed out that children who commit similar crimes have sometimes received differing sentences. As an example, he noted that even accused of murder, some are in jail, while some remain at home. He noted the importance of finding a just solution for issues such as this.
The minister's emphasis was on all concerned institutions working to ensure that minors are protected from being introduced to a life of conducting criminal activities; and even in the case of those who do commit crimes, to work on rehabilitating them.
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