Colombian court overturns life sentence for child rape and murder

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Colombia's Constitutional Court declared the bill of applying life sentences for rapists and murderers of minors unconstitutional, which prompted a strong reaction from the government.

In response to the decision made by the high court on Thursday night, President Ivan Duque said that although he would abide by the ruling, "the fight for the rights of children will continue."

“We abide by the rulings. But the failures of our society must be corrected. We will continue our fight for children's rights and to achieve the highest possible punishment,” said Duque on Twitter. The head of state said that the perpetrators are protected “ahead of victims”.

The bill imposing life imprisonment for child rape and murder was one of President Duque's campaign promises, which had passed in Congress and had been signed by Duque himself on July 6.

The court considered that the regulation has serious effects on the human dignity of the convicted individuals and that life imprisonment constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.​​

The court also said that it is not a suitable measure to ensure the protection of children victims of rape and murder as high prison sentences do not deter perpetrators from carrying out their crime.

​Many have criticized the government for having spent months working to pass a law that would not advance in court.

“The greatest legislative achievement of the Ivan Duque administration was to promote a law that was widely known to be unconstitutional,” said opposition Green Party lower house representative Inti Asprilla.

Former President Ernesto Samper also expressed criticism towards the government.

“The prohibition of life imprisonment for child rapists is a blow to punitive populism and a vindication of the need to socially change criminal behavior without violating fundamental human rights such as human dignity. Bravo to the Court!”​​​​​​​