The statute of limitations for sexual offenses and child abuse is increased to 35 years. This was decided by the parliament, adopting in the second reading amendments to the Penal Code. The current term is 20 years. The upper limit of punishments for such crimes is also increased.
The opposition objected to keeping the lower one for 2 years. The reason is that it allows suspended sentences. They also do not agree with the increase of the limitation period, since in practice it is extremely difficult to prove guilt after so many years.
“Instead of dealing with hollow propositions, inventing some 50-year statute of limitations in which prosecutions can be reopened, let’s raise the floor.” Then there will really be prevention. Or we just want to create an opportunity here to rekindle this very modern MeToo movement. None of the cases that were seized in this massive campaign led to a conviction,” commented Grozdan Karadjov from ITN.
According to former Justice Minister Atanas Slavov from PP-DB, it is normal for the statute of limitations for such crimes to be longer. This is the practice that prevails in most countries.
“This is an increased form of protection for the truly most vulnerable individuals in our society – minors and minors. They need that protection. And the investigating authorities need the necessary time to gather evidence, which is difficult when the crime was committed back in time,” Slavov pointed out.
