The facts of the case relate to the imposition on 5 people of prison sentences and sentences of life imprisonment for crimes committed when they were aged less than 18 years of age, as a consequence of the regulations of the criminal justice system.

The IA Court analyzed the differential treatment of children and adults in criminal matters, and the reflection of this difference in relation to the issuing of punitive measures. Punitive measures for children should give special importance to the principle of proportionality and take into account the specific circumstances of childhood and the eventual aim of reintegrating the child into the family and society. Additionally, the IA Court referred to the State duty to under age persons deprived of liberty, particularly regarding their adequate care and medical treatment and the obligation to investigate the death of any one of them.