Italian Prime Minister: The attacker or thief will be held accountable even if he is 15 years old

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the government’s approval of a new bill aimed at restructuring the legal framework governing the criminal responsibility of minors, in a move designed to curb youth crime and rising violence among teenagers. In a public address, Meloni emphasized that the new legislation is grounded in the principle that “those who assault, steal, or destroy must always be held accountable, even if they are 15 or 16 years old.” She clarified that judicial firmness alone is insufficient to address the phenomenon, stressing that the legislation is part of a comprehensive approach that includes tackling the social and familial factors driving young people toward delinquency. Meloni reaffirmed the government’s commitment, alongside punitive measures, to providing intensive support for families, improving the education system and vocational training, and backing sports centers and community spaces in marginalized neighborhoods and areas. She concluded her statement by saying, “A just state is one that has the courage to change rules when they no longer work, and that bears the responsibility to act firmly with those who err, while remaining present to support those at risk of being lost. There is no true freedom without responsibility.” The fundamental change in the new law lies in reversing the “presumption of criminal responsibility” for individuals aged 14 to 18. Under the previous law, minors were presumed incapable of distinguishing right from wrong and of forming intent, unless the judge proved otherwise. Under the new law, minors are presumed to have full criminal responsibility and capacity at the time of the offense, with the defense allowed to present evidence to the contrary in court.