The murder of <a href="https://time.news/sofia-delgado-was-found-lifeless-in-candelaria-valle-del-cauca/" title="Sofía Delgado was found lifeless in Candelaria, Valle del Cauca“>Sofía Delgado Zúñiga, a 12-year-old girl who was found dead in the municipality of Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, has shaken Colombia and reopened a discussion that has been latent for years: the implementation of life sentences for rapists and child murderers.
This debate, which has been adopted in various international legislations, still faces resistance in Colombia, where the maximum penalty for these crimes is 50 years in prison.
The case of Sofía Delgado, which has shocked public opinion, has once again put on the table the need for reforms in criminal justice. Congressmen Erika Tatiana Sánchez and Julián Peinado have been clear about thisurging that the Colombian Constitution be modified to include life imprisonment as punishment for those who commit heinous crimes against minors. “What happened with Sofía cannot be possible. She deserved all the protection from a repeat offender who was never resocialized. For this reason, we must modify our rules, including the Constitution, if necessary,” said Peinado, referring to the history of Sofia’s attacker.
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For her part, representative Erika Sánchez harshly criticized the Colombian State for not allowing life sentences for child rapists, arguing that the country has excessively tolerated violent behavior against children. “We cannot continue to naturalize murders, sexual abuse and recruitment. Children are not safe in Colombia,” Sánchez emphasized, making visible a problem that has claimed the lives of many minors in the country.
Senator Miguel Uribe also joined the call demanding timely justice and rejecting any attempt to reduce sentences for criminals who attack minors. «While the country mourns the death and abuse of Sofía Delgado, Petro proposes reducing the sentence for her murderer and rapist. “Children are sacred,” said Uribe, in a message that reflects widespread indignation.
From Huila, deputy Omar Alexis Díaz urged congressmen to reopen the debate that would allow the adoption of life imprisonment in Colombia.
As the country continues to repudiate the tragedy of Sofía Delgado, the debate on life imprisonment reemerges as a crucial issue to guarantee the safety and future of children in Colombia.
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