Brussels, 13/07/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee (LIBE) adopted the report by Roberta Angelilli (EPP) on the draft directive to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child pornography. The report was carried by 50 votes to none, with three abstentions on Tuesday 12 July. The Council reached agreement on this proposal on 30 June, and Parliament's final plenary session vote will take place in September.
Under the terms of the directive, tougher penalties will be imposed on those guilty of sex crimes or of viewing child pornography on the internet. People found guilty of sex crimes could face prison sentences of between one and at least 10 years, depending on the type of crime committed (the draft directive sets out minimum sanctions only, member states will be free to impose more severe measures and punishments). Causing a child to witness sexual activities could be punishable by one year in prison, and coercing a child into sexual actions by 10. Attending pornographic performances involving children could by punishable by at least two years in prison, and forcing a child into prostitution by at least 10. Producers of child pornography could face at least three years in prison, whilst those possessing such material would face at least one year's imprisonment, an EP press release states.
The draft agreement requires member states to close down child pornography sites hosted within their borders and to cooperate with non-EU states to have sites hosted outside the EU closed down. Member states may also block access to child pornography sites but must ensure that any such action is carried out in a transparent manner and provide adequate safeguards. Users would have to be informed of the reason for the restriction and have the possibility of legal redress.
The text also provides for measures to combat sex tourism. It also introduces measures to prevent convicted paedophiles from taking employment where they would be in direct contact with children. (S.P./transl.rt)