A court has decided to lift all precautionary measures against a 15-year-old boy detained following incidents at Liceo José Victorino Lastarria in Providencia last Monday. Magistrate Pablo Contreras ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the minor was carrying materials to manufacture incendiary devices.
The incident began when two hooded individuals and a person wearing white overalls entered the school carrying Molotov cocktails. During the altercation, teachers and students managed to detain the individuals. Two minors, aged 13 and 15, were subsequently identified as suspects in the acts of vandalism, according to reports from biobiochile.cl.
During a search of the premises, authorities discovered Molotov cocktails, fireworks, and similar items in the bathrooms. While the 13-year-old was released to his parents due to his legal status as a minor, the 15-year-old was formally charged in the Adolescent Criminal Responsibility (RPA) court.
Judicial Ruling
Despite the gravity of the events, prosecutor Sandra Ortiz, from the Flagrancy Prosecutor's Office, noted that the arrest was based on the alleged possession of materials to create bombs and damage caused to the school's doors. However, the court's ruling was restrictive regarding the evidence presented.
“Judge Pablo Contreras dismissed the claim that the student was carrying items such as bottles and gasoline during the day of the unrest,” stated prosecutor Ortiz, according to reports from biobiochile.cl.
The prosecutor further explained that the nature of the associated offenses did not allow for the request of more severe precautionary measures. Consequently, the court did not impose any additional restrictions on the teenager following the hearing.