The bill, aimed at strengthening penalties for crimes against children and improving protection for victims, also provides for state-funded legal assistance, mandatory video recording of certain questioning procedures and special safeguards during confrontations with suspects, defendants or convicts.

The draft law proposes amendments to the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Code of Administrative Responsibility and several other legislative acts.

Under the proposed changes, rape and certain forms of violent sexual assault against children under 14 could be punishable by up to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment.

The bill would also restrict the use of suspended sentences and early conditional release in cases involving intentional crimes that result in a child’s death.

For certain crimes against a child’s sexual freedom, the bill proposes removing limitation periods for prosecution and enforcement of sentences.

The draft also identifies several offences against minors as aggravating circumstances. These include intentionally causing serious or moderately serious bodily harm to a minor and committing indecent acts against a person under 16 by a group of individuals.

Penalties would also be tightened for involving minors in antisocial behavior, failing to fulfil child-rearing responsibilities and certain other offences.

Additional safeguards for child victims

The bill contains provisions aimed at strengthening the procedural rights of children who have experienced or witnessed violence.

Questioning of minors who have suffered violence would be subject to mandatory video recording. Confrontations between child victims and suspects, defendants or convicts would be conducted under a special procedure, with safeguards designed to protect the child.

The participation of representatives of guardianship and trusteeship authorities would also be provided for in relevant proceedings.

Children who have experienced or witnessed violence would be entitled to state-funded legal assistance under the proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code.