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Detention time doubled: The distribution of child pornography will in future be punished with up to ten years in prison
Photo: Uwe Zucchi / dpa
So far, child abuse has been punished as an offense with imprisonment from six months to ten years.
The federal government has now decided to tighten it: In the future, child abuse is to be regarded as a crime with a range of sentences ranging from one year to 15 years in prison.
The cabinet decided on Wednesday.
The Bundestag still has to agree.
The draft law to combat sexual violence is based on a proposal by Federal Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD).
"We need the utmost vigilance and sensitivity for children who are at risk or who have been victims of sexual violence," she said.
The law also aims to upgrade the distribution and possession of child pornography to a crime.
Punishments also apply to child pornography and sex dolls with a childlike appearance
The draft provides for a prison sentence of one year to ten years for the distribution of child pornography.
Previously, three months to five years were valid here.
Possession is to be punished with imprisonment from one year to five years - previously up to three years or a fine.
For commercial and band distribution, the draft law provides for prison sentences of two to 15 years - so far, six months to ten years apply here.
The draft law also provides for the inclusion of an express regulation on the criminal liability of sex dolls with child-like appearance in the criminal code.
This is also intended to dry up the market for such dolls.
The penalty for production and distribution should be up to five years imprisonment or a fine.
Up to three years imprisonment or a fine are provided for acquisition and possession.
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mrc / dpa