The instigator of the aggression in the mall in Sofia was the minor boy, who is 13 years old.He moved on the escalator in the mall and started to commit the hooligan acts. This was stated to NOVA by the Deputy District Prosecutor of Sofia Atanas Dotsinski, commenting on the case of the three minors and a minor boy who attacked an employee of a shopping center in Sofia.
“The remand order for the three detainees for the violence in a Sofia mall will be heard on Tuesday in the Sofia city Court.The court will decide whether to keep them in custody permanently or release them. The whole group consisted of four people and it was their first offense in terms of criminal activity,” Dotsinski said.
“The group is friends, classmates who live in the same neighborhood. They got together and decided to carry out these acts in the mall. The instigator was the minor boy who is 13 years old. He moved on the escalator in the mall and started to commit the hooligan acts,” emphasized Dotsinski.
Dotsinski also explained what sentence awaits the teenagers. “Since the moment of committing the criminal act is important, wich in this case is while the boys were minors – the law provides for a reduction. For an adult, it is indeed up to 5 years of imprisonment. But the reduction for minors reduces the amount of punishment – imprisonment to 2 years”.
What are the legal rights of minors involved in criminal cases?
Interview: Understanding Youth Crime and Legal Consequences with Atanas dotsinski
editor, Time.news: Today, we’re shedding light on a recent incident that occurred in a Sofia mall involving a group of minors accused of violent behavior. Joining us is Atanas dotsinski,the Deputy District Prosecutor of Sofia. Thank you for being here, Mr. Dotsinski.
Atanas Dotsinski: Thank you for having me.
Editor: To start, can you summarize what happened in the mall and the role of the 13-year-old minor in this incident?
atanas Dotsinski: Certainly. A group of four minors was involved in violent acts at a shopping center in Sofia. The instigator of this aggression was a 13-year-old boy who provoked the situation while moving on the escalator. His actions prompted the rest of the group, who are friends and classmates from the same neighborhood, to join in and carry out these hooligan acts.
Editor: It’s concerning to hear about such incidents involving young people. What can you tell us about the legal proceedings for the individuals involved?
Atanas Dotsinski: The remand order for the three detained minors will be reviewed this Tuesday in the Sofia City Court. The court will determine whether to keep them in custody or release them. It’s important to note that this was their first offense in terms of criminal activity.
Editor: How does the law treat minors in instances like this? Are ther differences in potential sentencing compared to adults?
Atanas Dotsinski: Yes, there are notable differences. When considering the age of the minors, the law mandates a reduction in the severity of punishment. While an adult convicted of similar acts could face up to five years of imprisonment, the reduction for minors limits this to a maximum of two years. The focus is more on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
editor: This raises an interesting point about rehabilitation versus punishment for young offenders. What steps are taken to ensure that minors learn from their mistakes rather than just serving time?
Atanas dotsinski: The judicial system recognizes the importance of rehabilitation for minors. As they are still at a formative stage, various programs are put in place to educate them about the consequences of their actions. Additionally, social services may be involved to provide support and counseling.
Editor: Given this incident, what implications do you see for the community and parents in addressing behavioral issues among youths?
Atanas Dotsinski: This incident underscores the crucial role parents and the community play in youth development. Open communication between parents and children is essential, alongside active community engagement. It’s also important for schools to implement programs that teach conflict resolution and the impact of violence. furthermore, community watch systems or youth organizations can help keep children engaged in positive activities.
Editor: Before we conclude, what advice would you offer to parents in dealing with potential signs of delinquency?
Atanas Dotsinski: Parents should be observant and attentive to changes in behavior. if a child shows signs of aggression or association with potentially harmful peers, it’s imperative to have open conversations about their feelings and experiences. Seeking help from professionals, such as counselors or psychologists, can also provide valuable guidance in addressing these issues effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. dotsinski, for your insights into this troubling situation.It’s vital for our readers to understand the complexities surrounding youth crime and the importance of proactive engagement in their communities.
Atanas dotsinski: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to discuss these matters to foster a safer environment for our children.