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Cyprus is set to debate a bill that could bring chemical castration as a sentencing option for convicted child sex offenders, according to a report by Pavlos Neophytou in this Sunday's Kathimerini. The bill, proposed by MP Michael Yiacoumi of the Democratic Alignment (DIPA), presents two choices for offenders: they can either undergo chemical castration or face life imprisonment without the chance for parole. Inspired by a recent parliamentary study, this proposal aims to align Cyprus’s penalties with the stricter standards found in other European countries. According to the study, Cyprus currently has some of the lightest penalties for child sex offenses among EU nations, falling at the minimum allowed by the European Union's 2011/93 directive on combating child abuse.
Yiacoumi’s call for tougher penalties comes in response to recent cases that he and others see as troublingly lenient. One recent case in Limassol, where a man was sentenced to just 13 years for raping his 11-year-old foster daughter, has become a focal point for criticism. Yiacoumi described the sentence as a “caress,” arguing it fails to convey the severity of the crime. He sees stronger punishments as necessary to both deter offenders and provide justice to victims and their families.
Chemical castration, already in place in 12 European countries, is a medical treatment that reduces sexual urges by administering anti-androgen drugs.
Chemical castration, already in place in 12 European countries, is a medical treatment that reduces sexual urges by administering anti-androgen drugs. In most countries, the treatment is voluntary, except in Poland, where it can be mandatory. However, critics of the treatment in Cyprus argue it may not be a practical solution. Achilleas Emilianides, a law professor at the University of Nicosia, points out that chemical castration only temporarily reduces sexual desire and does not address violent tendencies. He argues there’s little evidence to show it effectively reduces recidivism among child sex offenders.
This proposal is expected to raise a range of complex issues during the parliamentary debate, particularly around human rights. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture has set strict guidelines for any country implementing chemical castration to avoid violating the EU's human rights protections. If Cyprus adopts this measure, it will need to ensure it aligns with these standards, which emphasize the importance of voluntary consent and consider potential health risks.
Yiacoumi’s proposal also includes measures to improve post-release supervision for convicted offenders. Currently, police are responsible for monitoring released child sex offenders, but the bill suggests expanding this to include specialized supervisors. By involving additional supervisory roles, Yiacoumi hopes to address concerns that the current system may lack the resources and expertise needed to manage high-risk offenders adequately.
If the law passes, the Authority for the Supervision of Persons Convicted of Sexual Offenses Against Minors could see its role broadened. This Authority, which coordinates with several government ministries and law enforcement agencies, already plays a key role in overseeing released offenders, offering therapy and restricting offenders from taking jobs near children. Yiacoumi’s proposal may formalize these preventive measures, ensuring consistent monitoring of offenders’ progress after release.
The debate has also prompted MP Yakoomi to ask Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis for data on how Cyprus currently handles these cases. Hartsiotis is expected to respond by November 9, providing statistics on the number of convicted child rapists in Cyprus, the actual length of life sentences, and details about the existing supervision practices. These answers could shape the final version of Yiacoumi’s proposal and clarify whether Cyprus’s legal framework needs further strengthening.
As Parliament prepares to debate this sensitive topic, Cyprus faces a broader question: How can it balance tough sentences with effective and ethical supervision of offenders, ensuring both justice and public safety? The outcome of this debate could redefine how the country handles some of its most serious offenses against children.
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