Ahn Cheol-soo: "Strict Punishment with 'Maximum Life Imprisonment' for Child and Adolescent Sex Offenders"

Lowering the Age of Criminal Responsibility for Juveniles from 14 to Under 12 Years Old Proposed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Ahn Cheol-soo, the preparatory committee chairman of the People’s Party (tentative name), announced on the 17th that he will impose the maximum life imprisonment as a strong punishment for sex offenders against children and adolescents.

Chairman Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly Press Hall on the same day and presented the top 10 reform legislations and policy promotion plans for the 21st National Assembly, saying, "Although it is late, we must eradicate violence and sex crimes against children and adolescents immediately."

He emphasized, “We will amend the Act on the Protection of Children and Adolescents from Sexual Abuse to impose the maximum life imprisonment on those who have sexual intercourse with children under 12 years old, and those who have sexual intercourse with children aged 12 to under 16 by assault, intimidation, or by rendering them unconscious.”

He added, “In particular, we will amend the Criminal Act and other laws to prohibit sentence reductions, probation, and parole for crimes against children and adolescents.”

Chairman Ahn said, “To prevent school violence, we will amend the Juvenile Act to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to under 12 years old.”

He explained, "Since the physical and mental development of adolescents is not significantly different from adults, and cases where the methods and brutality of juvenile offenders are comparable to adult crimes are increasing, it is necessary to adjust the criteria for juvenile offenders."

Chairman Ahn stated, "We will disclose personal information of heinous criminals such as kidnappers, sex offenders, and murderers targeting children and adolescents at the level of the United States. We will prohibit offenders or their representatives from approaching within 1 km of the victim children’s or adolescents’ homes and schools."

He pledged, “We will amend the Special Act on the Punishment of Domestic Violence Crimes to specify the requirements for justifiable self-defense of victims in domestic violence cases and exclude domestic violence crimes from the category of crimes requiring victim’s forgiveness.”

Additionally, Chairman Ahn announced plans including ▲ introduction of a pediatrician system for children ▲ establishment of grooming prevention provisions to address concerns about potential sex crimes ▲ strengthening punishment for digital sex crimes ▲ promotion of a Korean-style Sweetie Project allowing sting and inducement investigations ▲ and establishment of a post-protection system for abused children and adolescents.