PC and Independent Bloc Demands Special Session Over Sentence Reductions for Sex Offenders Against Minors

Original article: Bancada PC e Independientes pide Sesión Especial por rebaja de penas a condenados por delitos sexuales contra menores

The PC and Independent deputies committee announced plans to request a Special Session of the Chamber, while also examining all necessary actions to clarify the government’s responsibilities regarding the sentence reduction for 56 individuals convicted of child sexual assault and abuse.

According to information released on Wednesday, October 21, the Ministry of Justice signed 56 exemption decrees that grant sentence reductions to individuals convicted of sexual crimes against minors, including 27 for sexual abuse and 29 for rape, issued between March 11 and September 13, 2026.

Marcos Barraza, deputy and deputy head of the PC and Independent Committee, described the sentence reductions as extremely serious, stressing that these crimes cannot be downplayed.

«The government has crossed an unacceptable line,» the legislator asserted, emphasizing that the decision «has no justification whatsoever. They are siding with the aggressors instead of the victims.»

Furthermore, pointing to Kast’s responsibility in this decision, Barraza stated, «The government should not distance itself from a decision that originates from the President of the Republic. They could prevent such a harmful measure and object to a decision so damaging for the children and adolescents of our country.»

«Demanding political accountability is essential to prevent these kinds of sentence reductions from continuing,» the parliamentarian reiterated.

Meanwhile, fellow deputy Bernardo Salinas highlighted the responsibility of Minister Rabat, stating, «This is one of the worst signals a country can send regarding such issues. Commuting sentences for child rapists is the worst message, as it further strains the nation.»

«What is the government proving? Is it preparing public opinion for when it must pardon human rights violators who committed crimes against humanity as well at Punta Peuco? What signal are they sending to the country? Are they setting the stage for this?» Salinas questioned.

Finally, Deputy Irací Hassler highlighted this contradiction: «This government came to power promising greater security and harsher penalties for criminals, yet they are unfortunately looking to create a process for the release of the worst offenders in our country today.»

«We will take all actions within our power to reverse this and ensure that this is not the government’s stance of releasing criminals,» Hassler concluded.

We will continue to provide updates. Keep reading about this topic:

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