Chisinau (Moldova): Amnesty International has criticized a new law that authorizes the chemical castration of people convicted of sexually abusing children in Moldova.
The law, which came into effect yesterday, says that anyone foreigners and locals found guilty of paedophilia will be chemically castrated, while courts will rule separately on those found guilty of rape.
Parliament approved the law on March 6, but President Nicolae Timofti said it violated human rights and sent it back to Parliament. On May 24, lawmakers approved the bill again, and Timofti was legally obliged to enact the legislature.
Amnesty spokesman Nichita Gurcov said today that the law is "tantamount to torture," which is illegal in Moldova. The law also has been criticized by the Council of Europe.
PTI
First Published: Monday, July 02, 2012, 22:45