Harsher penalties for sexual abuse of minors in Moldova; justice minister says protecting children requires coordinated effort

Penalties for sexual abuse of minors will be toughened and may reach up to 20 years in prison. President Maia Sandu has promulgated legislative amendments aimed at combating the exploitation and sexual abuse of minors. Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari made statements to this effect before the government meeting.

The new provisions increase penalties for offenses such as: producing, distributing and possessing materials containing sexual abuse of children; coercing a child into sexual acts; inciting or coercing minors to engage in sexually oriented activities.

In cases where the victim is under 14 years old and the perpetrator is a family member or is in a position of authority, care or responsibility, penalties may reach up to 20 years in prison. The Code of Criminal Procedure has also been amended, in order to strengthen the protection of minor victims. They will benefit from: faster access to legal assistance; fewer repeated hearings; increased confidentiality of proceedings; expanded support measures for victims and their families.

Justice Minister Vladislav Cojuhari emphasized that the new provisions responded to Moldova’s commitments to align with European standards on child protection.

“I call on to all competent authorities – law enforcement bodies, courts and assistance services – to apply the new provisions with maximum rigor, professionalism and responsibility, in strict accordance with the law. Protecting children requires a coordinated, consolidated effort and the involvement of all relevant institutions,” said Vladislav Cojuhari.

The official specified that the Justice Ministry would monitor the implementation of the new regulations and would intervene legislatively whenever necessary, in cooperation with state institutions and civil society, with the best interests of the child as a priority.

“Any suspicion of abuse must be reported. Preventing and combating this type of crime requires vigilance, involvement and a prompt response,” said Vladislav Cojuhari.

In addition, the Law on the Rights of the Child has been supplemented with additional state obligations, including organizing campaigns to prevent violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children, as well as combating the dissemination of materials that promote crimes against minors.