Greece to tighten laws on child pornography

Greece said it will stiffen its laws against child pornography after a series of police arrests have dominated the news.

Greek Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras said the new draft bill will foresee maximum prison sentences of more than 10 years and fines surpassing 500,000 euros for people convicted of producing or distributing child pornography.

“We must protect our children from this threat,” he said.

The minister said maximum sentences will be handed out to people that inflict grievous bodily harm to children as a result of the sexual acts carried out. Minimum sentences, one year in prison, will be given when material is distributed over the Internet.

The new law will allow child porn victims to testify in court through tape or video link.

Last month, Greek police arrested 20 people in connection to running an Internet site that showed children as young as four in sexual acts with adults and even with animals. (dpa)