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Poland's liberal government on Wednesday tabled draft legislation in parliament introducing obligatory chemical castration for convicted paedophiles and criminalising attempts to seduce minors over the Internet.
Liberal Prime Minister Donald Tusk first raised the controversial issue of chemical castration for convicted paedophiles in September after a 45-year-old man was charged with having raped and held his 21-year-old daughter captive for six years.
The young woman gave birth to two children, in 2005 and 2007, allegedly the result of having been raped by her father.
The suspect now faces up to 15 years behind bars if found guilty, but the high-profile case has put the spotlight on how convicted sex offenders should be dealt with.
Most rigorous law possible
"I want to gather all the laws in operation across Europe to introduce in Poland the most rigorous law possible regarding criminals who rape children," Tusk said announcing the measures.
In November Polish justice authorities also charged a 47-year-old HIV-positive man with endangering the life of a 15-year-old girl he seduced over the Internet.
Deputy Justice Minister Zbigniew Wrona also introduced draft legislation to parliament Wednesday criminalising attempts to seduce minors under 15 years of age over the Internet.
The drafts also criminalise attempts to meet minors for the purpose of rape or paedophilia, including the production of pornographic materials.
Seven hundred cases of paedophilia are reported to police in Poland each year, Wrona said. – (Sapa-AFP)
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