Juvenile Justice in China: A Case Sparking Debate

A Chinese court sentenced teenagers Zhang and Li to life and 12 years in prison for murdering classmate Wang. The cruel incident, involving a shovel, in Handan triggered debate on juvenile delinquency. China's 2021 law allows minors aged 12-14 to face criminal responsibility for severe crimes.

A northern Chinese court has issued lengthy prison sentences to two teenagers involved in the murder of a classmate, sparking a national conversation on juvenile delinquency. Zhang and Li, as identified by their surnames, received life and 12 years in prison, respectively, for the brutal act, according to state media.

The verdict came amidst public debate over the severity of punishment for minors in China's legal system. The court described the murder as 'particularly cruel' and underlined the heinous circumstances surrounding the crime. A third suspect, Ma, was given a 'special correctional education' sentence, reflecting existing legal frameworks.

This case highlights the challenges facing 'left behind' children, resulting from rural-to-urban migration, with approximately 67 million potentially vulnerable to mental health issues and criminal behavior. Recent law adjusts the criminal responsibility age to 12, accepting charges for severe crimes if approved by the top prosecutor.

(With inputs from agencies.)