Pedophile Bill Approved

Oct. 5, 2011

The State Duma has unanimously passed a bill that strengthens punishments for pedophilia, imposing mandatory chemical castration or life sentences in cases that involve repeated offenses.

The bill also needs approval by the Federation Council and President Dmitry Medvedev's signature.

Pedophilia is characterized as sexual crimes against minors younger than 14.

A United Russia lawmaker said the bill addresses the rising number of pedophiles in Russia.

"In the past 10 years, the number of pedophiles in our country has risen three- or fourfold," Tatyana Yakovleva told Interfax.

(AP)

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