Armenian authorities are increasing penalties for crimes against minors

ArmInfo. Armenian authorities are increasing penalties for crimes against minors. At its November 12 meeting, the National Assembly Committee on State and Legal Affairs approved the amendments to the Criminal Code submitted by the Armenian government.

Presenting the document, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Mkrtchyan noted that the consistent fight against crimes against minors remains one of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' top priorities. The draft law stipulates that in cases of crimes against the sexual freedom or sexual inviolability of a child, it is strictly prohibited to release the perpetrator from criminal liability based on repentance or reconciliation with the victim. The prohibition on releasing an offender from criminal liability based on remorse is also established in cases of human trafficking or the exploitation of a child or vulnerable person.

The Criminal Code also criminalizes the use of a child for sexual services. Depending on the age of the child, penalties vary in severity. Specifically, it is proposed to impose a prison sentence of up to three years for crimes committed against individuals over 16 but under 18, and a prison sentence of three to six years for individuals over 12 but under 16.

The Deputy Minister noted that if the draft is adopted, it will create additional legal frameworks and guarantees for protecting children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, and will eliminate the emerging practice of exempting children from criminal liability in cases not in the best interests of the child.

Furthermore, RA legislation will comply with international obligations, in particular the requirements of the Lanzarote Convention.