Seimas members unanimously approved amendments to the Criminal Code (CC) on Thursday, establishing stricter penalties for offenses related to the exploitation of minors in sexual material. Once enacted, these revisions mandate imprisonment ranging from two to eight years for any individual found encouraging a child to create pornographic items or who otherwise exploits a child for the production of such material. The amendments, which were spearheaded by Seimas member Vitalijus Gailius of the Liberal party, aim to close a perceived legal loophole.
Previously, perpetrators could sometimes deflect responsibility by suggesting the child was the primary actor who created, uploaded, and intended to distribute the pornographic content. The proposed changes clarify criminal liability by focusing on the instigators and exploiters rather than the victim. While the existing Criminal Code already stipulates imprisonment of two to eight years for those who recruit, force, or otherwise exploit a child in pornographic events or material production, the new legislation specifically addresses the act of encouraging the creation itself.
The legislative action reflects an effort to strengthen protections for minors. By explicitly criminalizing the encouragement and exploitation surrounding the creation of pornographic material, the law seeks to ensure that those who profit from or facilitate the abuse of a child face severe legal consequences, thereby reinforcing the legal framework against child exploitation.
Topics: #child #pornographic #create
