Brazil's Lula backs lowering criminal responsibility age to 16

· Politics · Brazil

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced he now supports lowering the age of criminal responsibility for "heinous" crimes from 18 to 16, reversing a longstanding policy in what many see as a desperate electoral gambit. The shift comes ahead of a presidential run-off and as polls show his rival, right-wing senator Jair Bolsonaro, maintaining an edge in the race, though experts still consider it a toss-up. The move signals how crime and security are shaping Brazil's election campaign.

Why it matters：Lula's reversal on criminal responsibility shows how security issues are reshaping Brazilian politics and could sway a closely contested election.

Key points

  • Lula now backs lowering the criminal responsibility age from 18 to 16.
  • The change applies to 'heinous' crimes.
  • Polls show Bolsonaro with an edge, though experts call the race a toss-up.

Sources (original reporting)

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