Over 115 juveniles prosecuted in 2022

The UAE Federal Public Prosecution for Juveniles said it dealt with 116 juvenile cases last year.

That is down by 15 per cent from 137 cases in 2021, involving teenagers, with the majority being boys.

Assaults, fights, traffic offences and consuming drugs were among the most common crimes.

The Federal public prosecutors said on their website that the number of teenagers involved in crimes had reduced significantly in recent years.

In 2020, 175 juveniles were prosecuted compared to 208 during 2019. The number of teenagers involved in crimes during 2018 was 313.

Prosecutors attributed the decrease in the number of teenagers involved in crimes to the efforts exerted by security authorities, schools, parents and other bodies to raise awareness among youngsters on good behaviour and the dangers of bad company and indulging in crime.

Police across the UAE frequently carry out awareness campaigns to educate youngsters on the dangers of drugs, unlicensed driving and other crimes.

Police and prosecutors have urged parents to be more involved in their children's lives and to monitor their activities.

Article 6 of the UAE Juvenile Law sates that criminal prosecution will not be instituted against a juvenile who has not completed the age of seven. However, the court or the competent authorities may order suitable educational or treatment measures, if necessary. Sanctions for juveniles over the age of seven and less than 16 who commit a criminal offence are left to the judge. If the juvenile is over 16, the judge would rule according to the law.

Juveniles, are not subject to capital punishment and cannot be sent to an adult prison or face financial sanction.