"We have approved a measure regarding the criminal liability of minors between the ages of 14 and 18. We have not lowered the criminal liability age for minors, which remains 14, and we have not increased penalties. The new measure concerns the presumption of criminal liability." This was stated by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio at the press conference following the Council of Ministers' meeting regarding the draft law on changes to the criminal liability of minors, which was approved by the Council of Ministers and has been dubbed by many as the "anti-Maranza law."

"Today the government approved a measure that changes the rules on the accountability of minors," a law that "primarily targets those who believe they are untouchable, exploit minors as labor for their own business, but also serves to punish those young people who think they can do as they please because they know nothing will happen to them," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clarified in a video posted on social media, emphasizing: "Those who make mistakes must be held accountable for their actions. Even if they are minors."

"I'll start with a principle we're trying to uphold in every area," the prime minister said. She added: "Those who attack, rob, or destroy must always pay, even if they're 15 or 16 years old. This is why we've acted and continue to act. Arrests for minors caught with a weapon are required, along with stricter laws against the use of knives and harsher penalties for gang-related damage. Today, a further step is taken. Our legal system currently provides that a minor between 14 and 18 is only liable for a crime if a judge determines they are competent. With this provision, that capacity is always presumed. This means that the contrary can still be proven before a judge, but the starting point has changed. Previously, incapacity was presumed, while today, responsibility is presumed."

(Unioneonline)