Italy lowers criminal responsibility age to 14 with new anti‑gang law

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

• [● 2 SOURCES] The bill presumes minors aged 14‑18 are criminally responsible unless the defense proves incapacity. (bill provisions)
• [● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said “who does wrong pays, even at 15 or 16”. (public statement)
• [DISPUTED] The Italian government approved a bill lowering the criminal responsibility age to 14. (government approval)
• [● 2 SOURCES] The law aims to combat youth crime, especially “baby gangs”. (government rationale)
• [● 3 SOURCES] The Council of Ministers gave final approval to the bill. (government decision)
• [● 2 SOURCES] Opposition parties and legal scholars criticize the reform as punitive and targeting youths. (political criticism)
• [○ 1 SOURCE] The bill amends article 98 of the Italian penal code. (legislative amendment)
• [● 2 SOURCES] Minister Matteo Salvini said minors cannot hide behind their age when committing offences. (public statement)