Germany to increase penalties for child sexual abuse

Germany announced plans to toughen child sex abuse and pornography laws on Wednesday. The move comes less than a year after authorities uncovered a vast online child abuse network.

German Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht said she wants to increase the minimum punishment of perpetrators and improve methods to combat pedophilia.

"The terrible injustice of these acts must also be reflected by the level of penalties," Lambrecht said during the announcement of her reform packet. Until now, the minimum prison sentence for child sex abuse crimes was six months. In the future, the sentence will be raised to one year. Similarly, the minimum sentence for possession of child pornography will be raised to one year.

Read more: Child sex abuse in Germany: Uptick in cases, or more online policing?

The maximum sentencing for both crimes has been increased to 15 years.

Key among Lambrecht's reforms is also the renaming of the crime in question. Currently referred to as "Kindesmissbrauch" in German, which directly translates as "child misuse," Lambrecht said this must change as it "suggests there is a correct 'use' of children." Instead, the crime will be called "sexual violence against children."

'Unimaginable pain for the children'

Authorities first found evidence of a widespread network of child abuse in German-speaking countries last October in the city of Bergisch Gladbach in western Germany.

Earlier this week, German police said they had evidence that up to 30,000 people may have been involved in the ring, which included the sharing of images and videos shared online.

Vast amounts of electronic evidence and devices suggest that members of the pedophile network exchanged tips on how to commit abuse.

"The shocking sexual crimes that we uncovered have created unimaginable pain for the children," Lambrecht said. "We have to send a clear signal that the protection of children is the highest priority."

Lambrecht also plans to increase programs for families, teachers and youth workers to recognize signs of sexual violence against children.

ed/rs (AP, AFP, dpa)