MPs expected to approve penal code with tougher penalties

Greek MPs were slated to approve on Wednesday night a Justice Ministry bill revising the penal code with stricter penalties for migrant trafficking, rape and child abuse.

The bill had originally been slated to include a provision reinstating penalties for public blasphemy but that proposed reform was withdrawn by Justice Minister Kostas Tsiaras following vehement criticism by the political opposition and a public outcry.

The new law essentially amends the penal code that the previous leftist government had approved in the summer a few weeks before being voted out of power.

Among other things, the bill foresees the tripling of prison terms for those found guilty of trafficking undocumented migrants.

Convicted rapists will face at least 10 years in prison compared to the current five to 10 years. Those found guilty of child abuse will also face stiff terms...