Aiming to limit incidences of rape and kidnapping against women and children, Member of Parliament Mona Monir has suggested amendments to Egypt’s main penal code including the death penalty for perpetrators of such crimes.

The first suggested modification relates to rape and stipulates perpetrators of the crime should be sentenced to death as opposed to the current sentence of life imprisonment.

The draft law also suggests that the perpetrator of sexual assault against any person under 18, whether male or female, should receive the death penalty.

The draft law suggests that anyone found guilty of kidnapping a minor should also be sentenced to death or life in prison. A kidnapper who is a relative or guardian should immediately receive the death penalty.

“I strongly support the death penalty against those who commit kidnapping or rape crimes targeting female or male children or handicapped children […] Perpetrators should receive the death penalty without any opportunity of appeal,” Monir said.

She added that the draft law has been introduced to the Egyptian parliament’s legislative committee which is assigned to review it and decide a date for discussion.

Monir also argued that there has been a significant rise of incidences of rape and kidnapping of children and that the recent rape of a baby pushed her to call for the death penalty for such crimes against minors.

This article has been adapted from its original source.

