Turkey mulls aggravated life terms for child abusers

Turkey is considering aggravated sentences for child murderers and abusers, Turkish deputy prime minister said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency's Editors' Desk in the capital Ankara, Recep Akdağ shed light on child abuses in the country.

Referring to child rape and abuse cases, Akdağ said: "Those who did such malicious act and murder a child will face aggravated life sentences."

He called on media, opposition parties and all non-governmental organizations to support the upcoming legislative amendment on the issue.

He went on to say that identities of victims and their families should not be made public and that some measures would be taken to ensure the safety of victims and their families.

Earlier in February, a commission, set up to prevent child abuses in Turkey, held its first meeting in capital Ankara on Thursday.

The commission is tasked with reducing risks of child abuse, protecting and rehabilitating victims throughout the judicial process as well as raising awareness of children and families against the risks.

The members of the commission are expected to conclude the legislative amendment proposals in coming days.

Last week, Turkish justice minister said Turkey will take all possible measures against child abusers, including chemical castration.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also warned that child abuse cases, which recently saw an apparent spike, could "lead to the collapse of our society".

Erdoğan said the commission would review studies on child abuse cases and discuss issues with the opposition parties as he reiterated it needed a strong policy and consensus.

He said the Ministry of Health was planning to set up Child Monitoring Centers across Turkey.