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11. 11. 09. - 16:00

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11. 11. 09. - 16:00

Basescu asks for harsher punishment for trafficking of minors

Romanian Times

Romanian President Traian Basescu called on Parliament today (Weds) to re-examine the law on fighting human-trafficking.

Basescu commented: "However, in the case of the trafficking of minors, there is an aggravating circumstance that demands a lighter punishment," the request says.

The law states that if the act of trafficking of minors is committed by a family member, the punishment is between three and 15 years imprisonment. This sentence is lighter than the one provided for a crime committed by a non-family member.

The president said trafficking by a family member was worse since the victim relied on the perpetrator's supposed affection and was thus defenceless.

Furthermore, according to the president, the Criminal Code provided harsher punishments for other crimes committed by family members, such as murder, assault or rape.

"Therefore, for reasons of consistency, we believe it fair and necessary that the same be applied in the case of the crime of the trafficking of minors," the re-examination request concluded.

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