Justice minister considering lowering age of criminal responsibility to 13

Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc (ANO) is considering lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for the most serious offences. He is basing the proposal on a ministry analysis presented to journalists in the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday. Tejc said the matter is still under consideration and if approved by the cabinet, would be presented to the lower house next summer at the earliest.

According to the minister, the change could apply, for example, to offences punishable by an exceptional sentence in the Czech Republic.

The proposal is expected to trigger heated debate.