Strasbourg, 13/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - Following its rapporteur, the German Christian Democrat Eva Klamt, the Parliament approved, on Tuesday, the Council's draft framework decision that aims to harmonise penalties against the trafficking of human beings, destined for illegal work or sexual exploitation. According to this proposal, the trafficking of human beings would be punishable with a maximum sentence of no less than six year, and extending up to ten years in the most serious cases. It makes the distinction between aiding the unauthorised entry of illegal immigrants and trafficking in the true meaning of the word, which includes the use of force, violence, threats, fraud and all forms of pressure. The Parliament, which adds that it is necessary to exclude provisions from the decision the aiding of entry and stays "for humanitarian reasons" of persons in a irregular situation, enhance the proposal with a series of amendments, by notably introducing a very detailed definition of acts that should be, in its opinion, not only punishable, but considered as being criminal acts. By qualifying trafficking as a "crime", one achieves, according to the Parliaments, a level of legal security as to the dissuasive scope of the sentence and the penalties applicable. The EP also feels that the participation of civil servants, representatives of law and order or customs officials in these actions must be considered as aggravating circumstances. Finally, it calls for the victims and witnesses to receive suitable protection, including the possibility of receiving a temporary residency permit for the duration of the investigation, and calls for the establishment of a compensation fund for the victims, to be financed through confiscated goods. Several MEPs protested because the Council had already made a decision on this issue on 28 May, without waiting for the Parliament's vote.