Argentina's Security Minister Backs Lowering Age of Criminal Responsibility, Criticizes 'Romanticization of Crime'

Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva has firmly backed lowering the age of criminal responsibility, emphasizing the need for penal code reform and criticizing what she termed the opposition's "romanticization of crime." Speaking on LN+, Monteoliva stated, "Regarding the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility, we have a very clear position because it is not about how many crimes are actually committed by minors, without giving a response to the victims and the perpetrators, who cannot go unpunished on the streets, even in worse situations for them." She accused past administrations of confusing security management with "ideologization" and fostering "mistaken imaginaries" regarding law enforcement. "Crime was romanticized. They did not side with the victims. We are very clear about that," she asserted. Monteoliva argued that security policies must be evidence-based, citing Argentina's lowest-ever homicide rate as proof that firm decisions lead to positive outcomes. Her ministry is developing a national plan for inmate classification and distribution, aiming to improve the penitentiary system. She highlighted that a criminological history, previously non-existent, was initiated in early 2024, identifying 12,200 inmates. This has enabled better classification and placement, with inmates now participating in work programs, including manufacturing uniforms for federal forces. Monteoliva dismissed comparisons to El Salvador's prison model, stating the situations are incomparable. Argentina aims for penitentiary services that ensure safety and care, with a high-risk system for the most dangerous individuals. She also called for penal code changes to address new offenses and toughen penalties.

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Regarding the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility, we have a very clear position because it is not about how many crimes are actually committed by minors, without giving a response to the victims and the perpetrators, who cannot go unpunished on the streets, even in worse situations for them.