April 20, 2007	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 02, 1428

TOKYO: Japan's parliament voted on Thursday to lower the age at which juveniles can be sent to detention facilities to 12, in the country's latest controversial measure to crack down on crime.

The lower house bill changes the age at which authorities can send minors to reformatories from the current 14 to “around 12,” leaving room for 11-year-olds to be confined on a case-by-case basis.

The bill will also end restrictions on police inspecting criminal cases involving suspects under 14. Japan already lowered the age for criminal prosecution from 16 to 14 just seven years ago.

“Juvenile crime is becoming more violent. Considering the feelings of the victims, this is inevitable,” said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has campaigned for Japan to return to “family values.” The bill also needs approval from the upper house, where its passage is virtually assured as Abe's coalition enjoys a majority.—AFP