translated from Spanish: Undersecretary of Children apologised to magistrates after criticism of their sayings

The undersecretary of children, Carol Brown, spoke with Emol TV and referred to the criticisms she has received after her sayings against the judge who granted parole to Hugo Bustamante, the only defendant in the Amber case.In this instance, Brown stated that “I am not in favor of the death penalty, I only took charge of the pain and outrage of many families who fear for the integrity of the most sacred , which are your children. And the truth is, I didn’t want to refer to any particular judge.” What I did was a critique and a self-criticism. And on the part of the Magistrates’ Association, which has said he is very upset about my sayings, I understand your annoyance. Humbly, I want to offer apologies and I regret that my sayings have deflected the discussion,” he added. In addition, the undersecretary stated that “what she sought was not to generate a controversy with another entity of the State, but that together we take the work seriously, because we are all part of the comprehensive protection system for children and adolescents and the invitation is to work together”. As for his sayings, he said that “they were strong, and that is why I humbly offer apology to those who have been offended, but there is one issue that has been raised by other experts about criminal abolitionism, of judges who believe that the penalties are not fair and do everything not to apply them and that does not seem to me.” Referring to whether he thinks he could be asked to resign from his office to which Brown replied that “if I have to resign for defending the rights of children, for defending Amber and for putting me in the place of moms who have suffered such violations, I will have to do so. I’m trusted by the President and if he asks me for resignation, there’s no other left, but I’d go with my head up.” I did it for the most vulnerable children and I’m proud to have done it. They called me, I spoke to the minister of justice, I told him I was sorry I got into his area and he told me he didn’t agree. This was the product of a very painful thing that happened (…) one gets in that place and can have a slightly untempted reaction and that’s why I’m asking for the corresponding apologies,” he closed.

Original source in Spanish