Number of minors who commit crimes up 12%

A special division of the Prosecutor General's Office will deal exclusively with minors. Such a decision was dictated by the high number of persons younger than 18 who commit crimes. In the first half of this year alone, this figure rose by 12%, prosecutor Iurie Perevoznic told a news conference, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. According to Iurie Perevoznic, there have been no prosecutors who dealt only with the problems involving minors. “These prosecutors' task is to ensure the efficient protection of the children and carry out effective activities aimed at preventing and combating juvenile delinquency,” Perevoznic said. The new division was opened as part of the Special Investigations Division. It will include five prosecutors specialized in minor-related offenses. Such a division existed two years ago, but was closed. “The large number of cases involving minors made us restore it. Our role is to intervene and check how the parents fulfill their duties. We will also suggest amendments to the laws concerning minors,” Iurie Perevoznic said. According to statistics, the minors in the first six months of this year have commuted about 700 offenses, including two murders, 17 rapes, and 15 drug-related crimes.