Leader of PT Calls for Lowering Penal Age to 16

The leader of the PT in the Senate, Camilo Santana (CE), presented a suggestion to amend the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) of Security with the aim of reducing the penal age to 16 years in cases of heinous crimes. The proposal is on the agenda of the plenary of the Senate on Thursday (15). The change suggested by Santana is a reaction to the proposal put forward by Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN), who reduces the penal age to 16 years in most crimes and to 14 years in a list of serious crimes.

Marinho is coordinator of the presidential campaign of the also senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ), who published a video defending the change. The PEC of Public Security has been approved by the CCJ of the Senate and now goes for analysis in plenary. Historically, the governing party in Congress has always opposed the reduction of the penal majority.

Reaction to the proposal of Marine

The suggestion of Camilo Santana emerges as a more restricted alternative to Rogerio Marinho’s amendment. While Marino proposes to reduce the criminal age to 16 in most crimes and to 14 in serious cases, Santana limits the reduction to heinous crimes. The source did not detail what crimes would be considered heinous in the proposal of the leader of the party.

The Santana movement indicates an attempt to contain the advance of the broader proposal, which has gained support in the electoral period. The vote takes place ten days before the second round of the presidential elections, which can influence the position of the senators.

Political context and historical resistance

The ruling party has always opposed the reduction of the penal age, with arguments such as the overloading of the prison system and the risk of young people coming into contact with criminal factions. However, the electoral scenario can change this calculation. Quaest survey released on Tuesday (14) shows that 61% of the population supports the reduction of the penal age.

This popular support may pressure lawmakers to review their positions, especially in a time of fierce dispute. The proposal of Santana, although limited, represents an unprecedented flexibilization of the PT in relation to the subject.

Impact on the Prison System

One of the main arguments against the reduction of the penal age is the impact on the prison system. Experts point out that the inclusion of adolescents from 16 years of age would increase the prison population and could aggravate the overcrowding. In addition, living with adult prisoners could expose young people to organizações criminosas.

Santana’s suggestion, by restricting the reduction to heinous crimes, may mitigate some of these effects, but still faces resistance from sectors that advocate maintaining the age of majority at 18. The source did not detail whether the proposal includes measures to protect or separate young people in the prison system.

Vote in the Senate

The PEC of Public Security is on the agenda of the plenary of the Senate on Thursday (15). The vote may set the course of criminal policy in the country at a time of strong polarization. The result will also have an impact on the electoral campaign, since the issue is sensitive to the electorate.

If approved, the amendment will go to the Chamber of Deputies, where it will have to undergo further discussions. The source did not detail the quorum required for Senate approval, but PECs require three-fifths of the votes of senators in two shifts.

Next steps

After the vote in the Senate, the proposal may be considered by the House, if it is approved. The debate on the reduction of the penal age should continue to mobilize society and parliamentarians, regardless of the result of Thursday. The Boca no Trombone Portal will continue to follow the developments of this discussion and will bring new information as it becomes available.

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