There are 27 youths ranging in age from 16 to 21 currently being detained in Becora prison for murder and sexual violence offences.
The National Director for Prison and Social Registration, Helder Cosme Marçal Belo, said young prisoners are separated from adult offenders in a different block.
He said young people should receive counseling and vocational training in prison so that they do not re-offend once they are released.
Of the 27 youths in custody, 20 have already been sentenced, six are in preventative detention and one in temporary detention.
Meanwhile, national MP Anna Ribeiro said she was surprised with the issue that people of a young age were in prison for committing such serious crimes.
She said it showed that the education being provided by schools and family was not adequate.
“[If people are] killing at this age [then] teachers and parents should work harder,” she said.
She acknowledged that it was a serious issue and the state should pay close attention to prevent young people from committing crime.
