ARA judge in Buenos Aires province, Marta Pascual, has suspended for 60 days the implementation of a law lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years. The suspension was ordered after a collective 'preventive habeas corpus' petition filed by Gabriela Salicio, representing a Catholic organization, and supported by 14 local defenders. The decision would mean that minors aged 14 or 15 who commit serious crimes like murder could not be incarcerated under the new regime. The judge argued that detaining minors increases insecurity and violence, emphasizing her duty to protect both the rights of adolescents and community safety. The ruling sparked criticism from national officials, including Cabinet chief Diego Santilli and Senator Patricia Bullrich, who accused Governor Axel Kicillof of aligning with criminals. Legal experts noted that other judges might interpret the law differently, potentially leading to varied enforcement across jurisdictions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the judge's decision and the reactions from various stakeholders without overtly favoring any side. It includes perspectives from the judge, critics within the government, and legal analysts, providing a balanced view of the situation without using biased language or selective o
