Children are driven to the criminal activities by convincing them they will not face penalties: Police

Police have said that their investigations show that children are being driven to committing criminal activities by convincing them they will not face penalties even if they are apprehended.

A statement published by the police yesterday, on the occasion of Children’s Day stated that they have noticed the involvement of children in planned assaults and other such criminal activities, and that their investigations show that they are being driven to such crimes by convincing them they will not face legal penalties as a consequence.

Police noted that children are driven to in a number of crimes such as assaults, anti-social behavior on the streets, use of drugs, traffic violations and theft. They said that they are lured into these crimes by promising certain things, such as the promise to grant them a certain wish or to give them something in return.

Police forwarded three murder cases that involved minors for prosecution last year. Four of the two minors charged with the murder of Ali Hassan (Ayyube) of Samandharuge, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo had confessed to the crime in Court. From the three minors charged for the murder of Abdul Muheeth, G. Veyru, Juvenile Court has passed the death sentence upon two minors, after acquitting the third for lack of evidence. Another minor was accused of being involved in the murder of former Ungoofaaru MP and religious scholar Dr. Afrasheem Ali. The minor has since been indicted, and the trial are currently ongoing.

While the involvement of minors in criminal activities have alarmingly increased, the current penal code exempts all minors from carrying out sentences before the age 18.

Incidents where the police announce searches for minors who flee away from their family and homes have also recently increased. Police said this too is possible a result of coercion and that they are often found living with adults. They called upon families to find out the reasons their children opted to leave their homes and to be vigilant to counter such activities.

Police also noted that child abuse and child fornication continue in the society and that they receive reports of uncivilized practices such as adults forcing children to watch pornographic photos and videos.