Convicted child sex offenders could have the option to trade their life sentences for chemical castration if a bill proposed by Dipa MP Michalis Yiacoumi is passed.

Under the proposed regulations, a convicted offender can apply to the council for the release of prisoners, which would have the authority to grant early release if the convict agrees to undergo chemical castration.

The bill builds on the 2014 law that mandated life sentences for child sex crimes, making it stricter by allowing harsher sentences for child abuse and extending life sentences to all related offences, including inappropriate touching.

Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Yiacoumi explained that the bill covers all sexual offences against minors, strengthening the existing law.

Currently, a convicted offender can apply for early release after serving 12 years. The proposed bill increases the minimum served sentence to 18 years, with release conditional on chemical castration.

Yiacoumi said the proposed amendments were necessary due to the rapid increase of child abuse.

Yiacoumi argued that these amendments are necessary due to the alarming rise in child abuse cases. He also noted that similar provisions exist in other EU countries, including Austria, France, Denmark, Estonia, Germany and Sweden.

The bill will be discussed by the House legal affairs committee.