Call for sex abusers to be castrated

Dipa MP Michalis Yiakoumi on Thursday called for legislation to impose life sentences without parole or early release for child rapists and judges to be given the authority to order chemical castration for those convicted of child sexual abuse.

In a letter to parliament, Yiakoumi outlined the urgent need for stricter laws on child sexual abuse.

He referred to a recent case in Limassol where a father was sentenced to 13 years in prison for raping his 11-year-old foster daughter. Yiakoumi argued that this case highlights the deficiencies in the current legal framework and the need for more severe measures.

“These proposals are based on the need for stricter and more deterrent measures to protect our children and ensure that perpetrators of such heinous crimes are punished to the fullest extent,” Yakoumi said.

“Strengthening the legal framework will contribute to creating a safer environment for children and send a strong message that our society will not tolerate any form of child sexual abuse.”

Yiakoumi finally called on parliament and MPs to consider his proposal and take the necessary steps to draft the relevant legislation.

Under Cyprus’ laws, forced sterilisation is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine.

However, mental health laws do allow an intrusive procedure such as sterilisation to take place if their guardian consents to it.