Deputy Alexandru Popa (PNL) intends to submit a bill that would allow the chemical castration of pedophiles. Although such practices are considered abusive by institutions such as the ECtHR, there are countries where they are practiced.
A liberal proposes the chemical castration of pedophiles. Photo: Shutterstock
“I will propose CHEMICAL CASTRATION. In 2024, over 600 children under the age of 14 have been sexually abused. It is a harsh reality that too few people talk about.” wrote, on Thursday, on his Facebook page the PNL deputy from Brăila Alexandru Popa.
He added that some of the abusers remained at large and others were punished far too lightly.
“The period of time they spend in prisons is much shorter than the time a child victim of these monsters needs to heal from the trauma they went through. Romania’s children must be protected from the monsters that live among us and that today are punished far too gently than they deserve”, the liberal also specified.
The clip posted by the liberal was commented by more than 100 people.
He also argued that it is very important to provide children with a healthy and safe environment to grow up beautifully, harmoniously and without the fear that they may be victims of individuals lacking the slightest trace of humanity or compassion.
“For this reason, I will initiate a law by which I will propose the introduction of the penalty of Chemical Castration for all those who sexually abuse minors under the age of 14. Romania must become more responsible and more secure regarding its future”he concluded.
Former judge Danileț: “it is against human rights”
On social networks, the liberal’s proposal was commented on intensely, and one of those who expressed his opinion was the former CSM judge Cristi Danileț.
“It is against human rights. There have been such initiatives before”, was the former magistrate’s comment on a post on this topic.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not directly mention “chemical castration”, but states that every person has the right to physical integrity and not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment (Art. 5).
Therefore, if imposed compulsorily and without consent, chemical castration can be considered a violation of human rights.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the documents of the Council of Europe have established and recall key rules: medical interventions without consent and those that have a punitive (not therapeutic) purpose risk violating the article on the prohibition of torture/inhuman and degrading treatment. There are numerous ECtHR decisions on forced sterilizations and forced treatments that are relevant by analogy.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe asked states to revise laws so that no one can be forced to undergo sterilization or castration (explicit recommendations against medical coercion).
International NGOs (Amnesty International, HRW, etc.) have criticized the adoption of laws that allow forced castration, qualifying them as contrary to international obligations regarding the prohibition of torture and degrading treatment. Amnesty has issued specific appeals (eg on Indonesia).
Chemical castration is practiced in Poland
However, there are countries where this punishment is practiced.
In Poland, since 2010 there are provisions that allow the chemical castration of perpetrators of sexual crimes against children (under certain conditions).
“A Polish law that may force some rapists and pedophiles to undergo chemical castration has come into effect. The legislation, passed by Polish lawmakers last September, applies to men who rape children or close family members,” noted the BBC in 2010.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed the measures after a series of large-scale pedophilia cases last year, the quoted publication says.
Under the law, prisoners would be required to take drugs to reduce their libido upon release, but courts are required to consider the opinions of psychiatrists before ordering this, the BBC reports.
Some states in Europe have regimes that allow voluntary treatment. In most EU countries chemical castration is not automatically imposed; often only possible with consent or as a condition of release. According to Polish politicians, the country now has the toughest legislation against pedophiles in Europe.
Similar situations are in South Korea, Indonesia, several US states.
