During 1977 and 1978 some 500 juveniles under 18 years of age were held under security legislation in connection with suspected political offences.
Of these, half (224) were eventually released without being charged, 87 were called as state witnesses, and 189 were charged with offences ranging from attending a prohibited gathering and intimidation of scholars to sabotage, arson and murder. These figures included only those detained under security laws.
Of those prosecuted, 70 were acquitted, and 119 convicted. Sentences ranged from corporal punishment through suspended sentences to varying terms of imprisonment.
The most severe sentence, 14 years' imprisonment, was imposed on a juvenile convicted of murder and public violence. In all 33 youngsters were jailed on charges arising out of political demonstrations and protests. A further 25 were given suspended or postponed sentences.
Of the remaining juveniles, three were sent to reform school and the rest were sentenced to between 2 and 8 cuts each
