Colombia Chamber debates adolescent criminal responsibility bill

The Colombian Chamber of Representatives held a public hearing to discuss Bill 029 of 2026, known as the ‘Miguel Uribe Turbay Law’. The proposal, introduced by Representative Jaime Arizabaleta, seeks to modify the criminal responsibility regime for adolescents aged 14 to 17 who commit serious crimes.

Under the current system, adolescents between 14 and 18 are subject to the Adolescent Criminal Responsibility System (SRPA). The new bill proposes that, in specific high-gravity cases, these minors would be held accountable under the same Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code provisions as adults, while maintaining constitutional guarantees and due process.

The initiative has faced opposition in Congress. Representative Daniel Monroy of the Pacto Histórico argued against the bill, stating that the state should focus on those who recruit or exploit minors for criminal activities, and expressed concerns that the proposal could infringe upon fundamental rights.