Análisis sobre la inimputabilidad de menores infractores en los delitos de sicariato y robo con resultado de muerte dentro de la legislación ecuatoriana.

Abstract

Background: In nearly a decade, Ecuador has become one of the most violent countries in the world, with Guayaquil ranking in the top 10 cities for violent deaths globally. It is considered a "ground zero" for crime execution, with a high crime rate comparable to cities like Port-au-Prince in Haiti and Mandela in South Africa. The surge in hitmen-related crimes and robberies leading to deaths has become a major issue. Statistical data reports that more than 37% of these crimes are committed by individuals under 18 years of age. Some experts have concluded that this is due to the lack of accountability, insufficient penalties for these minor offenders, and other factors that contribute to the recent increase in such crimes. In Ecuador and allied countries with various treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, there is a high level of legal protection for minors. Irresponsible parents, dysfunctional families, lack of sustainable economic opportunities, and insufficient promotion of good behavior and respect for others are contributing factors to the involvement of young people in criminal activities. As a result, there are young offenders with institutional sentences of up to 8 years for crimes against life and property that result in death. Upon release, they are often at the age where they can continue committing crimes, which is alarming and emphasizes the urgent need for changes and reforms in various legislations that hinder the application of harsher penalties for these lawbreakers.