A serious scandal has rocked the juvenile justice system in California, after dozens of security officers at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall juvenile detention center in Downey have been charged with allowing and inciting violence among juvenile inmates, writes A2 CNN.
According to the indictment, about 30 officers allowed and, in some cases, even encouraged minors to fight each other in what has been described as “gladiatorial fights.” These events allegedly occurred between July and December 2023 and affected more than 140 young prisoners, some of whom were as young as 12 years old.
A video released to the media has revealed shocking footage of one of these clashes, prompting a fierce reaction from the public and authorities. The officers involved now face serious charges, including child abuse and endangering the lives of minors.
Prison service leaders reacted with an official statement, announcing that they have fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities and that all employees involved have been suspended from duty without pay.
The scandal has sparked widespread debate about the safety and treatment of juveniles in correctional facilities in the United States. Children's rights activists and criminal justice reform organizations have called for immediate measures to prevent such cases from recurring and to ensure the protection of juveniles in the justice system.
Authorities have promised thorough investigations and tough measures against anyone responsible in this matter. (A2 Televizion)
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