Israel’s Youth Bill Becomes Law, Child Aged 12 Can Face Imprisonment

Palestinian minor, as young as 12, can now be put behind bars in Israel if accused of grave crimes including terrorism.

In a year or so the violence between youngsters of Palestine and Israeli soldiers has increased tremendously. It has caused the deaths of dozens of innocent people in the country, even to foreign nationals.

The so-called Youth Bill was placed in the parliament after much criticism in Israel as well as abroad and received 32 votes in favor, 16 against it, and one abstention. Authorities now have been empowered to imprison boys and girls even below 14 if convicted of serious crimes such as manslaughter, attempted murder or murder.

The Israeli mission to the UN earlier had said the Palestinians youths were responsible for 47 acts of terrorism and those included car-ramming tactics as well as using a knife.

The Israeli lawmakers said the new bill is a measure for them in protecting the country from such attacks.

MP Anat Berko, also known as Father of the Youth Bill, said the new law was borne out of necessity.

He added, “We have been experiencing a wave of terror for quite some time… A society is allowed to protect itself.”

The new legislation has been widely criticized at home as well as abroad. Do you criticize it too? Share your views, comments and critics about the Youth Bill of Israel with us and fellow readers in the below given box.