Germany’s Cabinet has approved draft legislation that will allow for tougher punishment of sexual abuse of children and the possession of child pornography. The government initiated the bill in the wake of prominent recent child abuse cases in Germany that feature large numbers of suspects.
Distributing child pornography will draw a sentence of 1 to 10 years, up from the current range of 3 months to 5 years. Possession and procurement of the material will be punished with 1 to 5 years in prison, up from the current maximum of 3 years. Perpetrators fear nothing more than being discovered, so Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht, pleaded for a massive increase in the pressure in tracking them.
The legislation requires parliamentary approval.