Brussels, 03/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini called on Tuesday 2 October for EU Member States to make convicted paedophiles have medical treatment when released from prison if experts believe they risk reoffending. At a meeting of EU justice ministers in Lisbon, Portugal, Frattini said that Spain, France and other countries had highlighted the 'need of supervising these kinds of criminals after prison, instead of simply releasing them,' explained Frattini, adding that countries should be encouraged to guarantee 'appropriate therapy' for convicted criminals who might be a danger to children. 'I have to protect children before protecting criminals,' explained Frattini, admitting that it was Member States which have the power to put forward legislation of this ilk. Following a case of repeat offending by a paedophile in France, President Nicolas Sarkozy has announced reforms whereby sex offenders will not be allowed out of prison until they have completed their sentence and following assessment of their danger to society by a team of doctors. Those felt to be dangerous would be sent to secure hospital units. In a study on the situation in the United States published in September 2007, Human Rights Watch comments, however, that three-quarters of sex offenders do not reoffend and most sex crimes are not committed by re-offenders. (bc)