Underage offenders pose prosecution problem

Aid for victims

While experts dispute the best way to deal with young offenders, most agree that more should be done to help minors affected by criminal activity.

The Law on the Protection of Minors focuses on juvenile delinquents, but the country has no laws or regulations related to child victims, meaning they are often overlooked by the government and social organizations, according to Li.

He said authorities should offer better psychological counseling and legal aid to such victims. "If the perpetrators stay free, these children will live in fear," he said.