Louisiana, a state in the United States, is on the verge of enacting a controversial new law that would allow judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against young children.

On Monday (June 3), Louisiana's GOP-controlled Legislature passed a bill that empowers judges to sentence paedophiles preying on children under 13 to surgical castration.&nbsp;

As per CBS News, the bill now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Jeff Landry. If signed, Louisiana would be the first state to implement such a severe punishment.

<h2>Castration in the US</h2>

In America, while states like Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas permit chemical castration, none currently mandate surgical castration as a judicial sentence, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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Louisiana also has provisions for chemical castration that have been in place for over 16 years, but have rarely been used.

<h2>Chemical vs Surgical castration</h2>

Chemical castration involves medications that lower testosterone levels to diminish sexual urges, whereas surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure.&nbsp;

"This is a consequence," stated Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges during an April committee hearing. "It's a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out."&nbsp;

Although the punishment is severe, the bill saw strong support in both GOP-dominated chambers. It did have some opposition coming from Democrats.&nbsp;

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Notably, the bill was authored by a Democrat — State Sen. Regina Barrow, who views it as an extra step in punishing horrific crimes against children.

"We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody," said Barrow during an April committee meeting, adding, "That is inexcusable."

Currently, over 2,200 individuals are imprisoned in Louisiana for sex crimes against children under 13. Nevertheless, if this bill becomes law, it would only apply to offences committed on or after August 1, 2024.&nbsp;

The punishment would be at the discretion of judges and not automatically imposed. While castration is typically associated with men, it could also apply to women, said Barrow.

Failure to comply with an order for surgical castration could result in an additional three to five years of imprisonment. A medical expert must "determine whether that offender is an appropriate candidate" for the procedure before it is carried out.

(With inputs from agencies)

Louisiana, a state in the United States, is on the verge of enacting a controversial new law that would allow judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against young children.

Louisiana, a state in the United States, is on the verge of enacting a controversial new law that would allow judges to order surgical castration for individuals convicted of sex crimes against young children. On Monday (June 3), Louisiana's GOP-controlled Legislature passed a bill that empowers judges to sentence paedophiles preying on children under 13 to surgical castration. As per CBS News, the bill now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Jeff Landry. If signed, Louisiana would be the first state to implement such a severe punishment. Castration in the US In America, while states like Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas permit chemical castration, none currently mandate surgical castration as a judicial sentence, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Also read | Fatherhood linked to poorer heart health, young fathers at higher risk: Study Louisiana also has provisions for chemical castration that have been in place for over 16 years, but have rarely been used. Chemical vs Surgical castration Chemical castration involves medications that lower testosterone levels to diminish sexual urges, whereas surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure. "This is a consequence," stated Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges during an April committee hearing. "It's a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out." Although the punishment is severe, the bill saw strong support in both GOP-dominated chambers. It did have some opposition coming from Democrats. Also read | Study finds new male birth control gel safe and effective; reveal promising trial results Notably, the bill was authored by a Democrat — State Sen. Regina Barrow, who views it as an extra step in punishing horrific crimes against children. "We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody," said Barrow during an April committee meeting, adding, "That is inexcusable." Currently, over 2,200 individuals are imprisoned in Louisiana for sex crimes against children under 13. Nevertheless, if this bill becomes law, it would only apply to offences committed on or after August 1, 2024. The punishment would be at the discretion of judges and not automatically imposed. While castration is typically associated with men, it could also apply to women, said Barrow. Failure to comply with an order for surgical castration could result in an additional three to five years of imprisonment. A medical expert must "determine whether that offender is an appropriate candidate" for the procedure before it is carried out. (With inputs from agencies)

Louisiana to become first US state to punish paedophiles with surgical castration

An Australian survey has found that about one million Australian men have endorsed sexual interactions with teenagers. How do you protect your children from paedophiles?

Gravitas: Silent predators: Rise of paedophiles in Australia

Lawmakers in the US state of Florida have approved a legislation that permits death penalty for those convicted of sexually abusing minors. The bill, backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was passed by a 34-5 vote in the Senate.&nbsp;Notably, the dissenting votes came from three Democrat and two Republican leaders respectively.&nbsp;

The bill, once turned into law will allow juries to hand out death sentences by votes of at least 8-4, after previously requiring a unanimous decision. If fewer than eight jury members recommend the death penalty, the convict would receive life sentence(s).&nbsp;

The bill was passed last week in the Florida House of Representatives 95-14 and now only requires&nbsp;DeSantis' signature. It would apply to those convicted of abusing a child under the age of 12.&nbsp;

“My view is, you have some of these people that will be serial rapists of six, seven-year-old kids.&nbsp;I think the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment when you have situations like that," said DeSantis after passing of the legislation.&nbsp;

It was a bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by&nbsp;State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie) and State Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers). They argued that paedophiles were more&nbsp;likely to repeat their crimes and thus deserved the death penalty.&nbsp;

“Once a predator has a child ensnared, they will harm that child over and over and over again.&nbsp;And then move on to another innocent child," said&nbsp;Book.&nbsp;

"There is no statute of limitations on this crime (for victims).&nbsp;There is no end. It's always with you."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-governor-ron-desantis-signs-six-week-abortion-ban-into-law-582526">WATCH |&nbsp;Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs six-week abortion ban into law</a>

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<h2>Lawmakers hope to change US Supreme Court's decision</h2>

The lawmakers are hoping that the passing of the bill will ultimately lead to the US Supreme Court reversing its 2008 decision the barred capital punishment for those who raped children. The bill even mentions that the 2008 US Supreme Court decision, in a case known as Kennedy v. Louisiana, was "wrongly decided."

"We have a completely different (US) Supreme Court makeup.&nbsp;We have a completely different Florida Supreme Court makeup than when Kennedy v. Louisiana was issued. I know everybody in this room hopes that nobody is put to death for this crime. Because if someone is put to death for this crime, it means that a poor innocent child was raped," said Martin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-extends-dont-say-gay-ban-on-sexuality-gender-identity-teachings-to-all-grades-584362">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Florida extends 'Don't Say Gay' ban on sexuality &amp; gender identity teachings to all grades</a>

With the apex court consisting of six conservative and three liberal judges, the Republicans are hopeful that the decision will be overturned sometime soon.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Lawmakers in the US state of Florida have approved a legislation that permits death penalty for those convicted of sexually abusing minors. The bill, backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was passed by a 34-5 vote in the Senate.

Lawmakers in the US state of Florida have approved a legislation that permits death penalty for those convicted of sexually abusing minors. The bill, backed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis was passed by a 34-5 vote in the Senate. Notably, the dissenting votes came from three Democrat and two Republican leaders respectively. The bill, once turned into law will allow juries to hand out death sentences by votes of at least 8-4, after previously requiring a unanimous decision. If fewer than eight jury members recommend the death penalty, the convict would receive life sentence(s). The bill was passed last week in the Florida House of Representatives 95-14 and now only requires DeSantis' signature. It would apply to those convicted of abusing a child under the age of 12. “My view is, you have some of these people that will be serial rapists of six, seven-year-old kids. I think the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment when you have situations like that," said DeSantis after passing of the legislation. It was a bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-Davie) and State Sen. Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers). They argued that paedophiles were more likely to repeat their crimes and thus deserved the death penalty. “Once a predator has a child ensnared, they will harm that child over and over and over again. And then move on to another innocent child," said Book. "There is no statute of limitations on this crime (for victims). There is no end. It's always with you." WATCH | Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signs six-week abortion ban into law × Lawmakers hope to change US Supreme Court's decision The lawmakers are hoping that the passing of the bill will ultimately lead to the US Supreme Court reversing its 2008 decision the barred capital punishment for those who raped children. The bill even mentions that the 2008 US Supreme Court decision, in a case known as Kennedy v. Louisiana, was "wrongly decided." "We have a completely different (US) Supreme Court makeup. We have a completely different Florida Supreme Court makeup than when Kennedy v. Louisiana was issued. I know everybody in this room hopes that nobody is put to death for this crime. Because if someone is put to death for this crime, it means that a poor innocent child was raped," said Martin. ALSO READ | Florida extends 'Don't Say Gay' ban on sexuality & gender identity teachings to all grades With the apex court consisting of six conservative and three liberal judges, the Republicans are hopeful that the decision will be overturned sometime soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

USA: Florida approves bill allowing capital punishment for child rapists

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. &nbsp;

The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report. &nbsp;

Due to be released on Tuesday, the report has been made after two-and-a-half years of research, which was based on court, police and church archives, and interviews with witnesses. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-social-democrats-show-signs-of-life-but-france-poses-a-roadblock-417473" hreflang="en">Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock</a>

Commission's chairman Jean-Marc Sauve, said, the research found between 2,900 and 3,200 paedophile priests or other church members. Sauve added that it was "a minimum estimate". &nbsp;

Sauve, who is also a senior French civil servant, said, the report runs into 2,500 pages. It looks to quantify both the number of offenders and victims. &nbsp;

The report looked into "the mechanisms, notably institutional and cultural ones" within the Church, which allowed paedophiles to function. It will also offer 45 proposals. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-rape-accusations-fraternities-face-protests-and-growing-anger-417471" hreflang="en">After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger</a>

In 2018, the independent commission was set up by the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF). It was formed after a number of scandals shook the Church in France and worldwide. &nbsp;

The commission constitutes 22 legal professionals, doctors, historians, sociologists and theologians. Its objective was to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by clerics since 1950s. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report.

Since 1950, around 3,000 paedophiles seem to have operated in Catholic Church in France. The striking revelation has been made by the head of an independent commission, which is investigating the scandal, to AFP news agency, days ahead of the release of its report. Due to be released on Tuesday, the report has been made after two-and-a-half years of research, which was based on court, police and church archives, and interviews with witnesses. Also Read: Europe’s social democrats show signs of life, but France poses a roadblock Commission's chairman Jean-Marc Sauve, said, the research found between 2,900 and 3,200 paedophile priests or other church members. Sauve added that it was "a minimum estimate". Sauve, who is also a senior French civil servant, said, the report runs into 2,500 pages. It looks to quantify both the number of offenders and victims. The report looked into "the mechanisms, notably institutional and cultural ones" within the Church, which allowed paedophiles to function. It will also offer 45 proposals. Also Read: After rape accusations, fraternities face protests and growing anger In 2018, the independent commission was set up by the Bishops' Conference of France (CEF). It was formed after a number of scandals shook the Church in France and worldwide. The commission constitutes 22 legal professionals, doctors, historians, sociologists and theologians. Its objective was to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by clerics since 1950s. (With inputs from agencies)

Since 1950, 3,000 paedophiles operated in French Catholic Church, says report  

Google unveiled a set of measures Tuesday to keep children safe online, including a way for teens to upload videos in a private setting and a safeguard for ads shown to minors.

YouTube video platform, as well as Google's search and Google Assistant service, will be affected by the new features, announced amid increased concerns about child exploitation and online safety.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-to-check-icloud-photo-uploads-for-child-abuse-images-403391">Apple to check iCloud photo uploads for child abuse images</a>

"As kids and teens spend more time online, parents, educators, child safety and privacy experts, and policy makers are rightly concerned about how to keep them safe," explains Mindy Brooks, product and user experience director at Google.

"We engage with these groups regularly, and share these concerns."

Now, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google's </a>"safe search" setting, which excludes sensitive content, will be enabled by default for under-18s.&nbsp;

In yet another measure to ensure kids' safety, Google will disable location history for its users under 18 globally, without adding the option to bring it back. Both of these were already in place for those under 13.

Google has also announced that&nbsp;on its massively popular platform YouTube, content from 13- to 17-year-olds will now be private by default.

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In a blog post James Beser, head of product management for YouTube Kids and Family, says that "With private uploads, content can only be seen by the user and whomever they choose,"

"We want to help younger users make informed decisions about their online footprint and digital privacy... If the user would like to make their content public, they can change the default upload visibility setting and we'll provide reminders indicating who can see their video."

The company will also make it easier for families to request that the images of their children are not included in image search results.

"Of course, removing an image from search doesn't remove it from the web, but we believe this change will help give young people more control of their images online," Brooks said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/keyboard-predators-southeast-asias-kids-targeted-by-online-paedophiles-219432">Keyboard predators: Southeast Asia's kids targeted by online paedophiles</a>

Google will also make changes to how it displays advertisements to minors, blocking any "age-sensitive" categories and prohibiting the targeting of people under the age of 18 based on their gender, age, and interests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Google unveiled a set of measures Tuesday to keep children safe online, including a way for teens to upload videos in a private setting and a safeguard for ads shown to minors.

Google unveiled a set of measures Tuesday to keep children safe online, including a way for teens to upload videos in a private setting and a safeguard for ads shown to minors. YouTube video platform, as well as Google's search and Google Assistant service, will be affected by the new features, announced amid increased concerns about child exploitation and online safety. Also read | Apple to check iCloud photo uploads for child abuse images "As kids and teens spend more time online, parents, educators, child safety and privacy experts, and policy makers are rightly concerned about how to keep them safe," explains Mindy Brooks, product and user experience director at Google. "We engage with these groups regularly, and share these concerns." Now, Google's "safe search" setting, which excludes sensitive content, will be enabled by default for under-18s. In yet another measure to ensure kids' safety, Google will disable location history for its users under 18 globally, without adding the option to bring it back. Both of these were already in place for those under 13. Google has also announced that on its massively popular platform YouTube, content from 13- to 17-year-olds will now be private by default. Also read | United Kingdom lodges more cases of child sexual abuse during lockdown In a blog post James Beser, head of product management for YouTube Kids and Family, says that "With private uploads, content can only be seen by the user and whomever they choose," "We want to help younger users make informed decisions about their online footprint and digital privacy... If the user would like to make their content public, they can change the default upload visibility setting and we'll provide reminders indicating who can see their video." The company will also make it easier for families to request that the images of their children are not included in image search results. "Of course, removing an image from search doesn't remove it from the web, but we believe this change will help give young people more control of their images online," Brooks said. Also read | Keyboard predators: Southeast Asia's kids targeted by online paedophiles Google will also make changes to how it displays advertisements to minors, blocking any "age-sensitive" categories and prohibiting the targeting of people under the age of 18 based on their gender, age, and interests. (With inputs from agencies)

Google and YouTube update their child safety features; Under-18s to be aggressively protected

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt&nbsp;to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act.&nbsp;

Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/popes-vow-to-battle-child-sex-abuse-fails-to-appease-victims-199463">Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone</a> and abortion does. The controversial priest had posted a list of 44 US lawmakers, saying that they will be barred from communion because of their support for "reproductive rights".

In a&nbsp;community bulletin of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-cardinal-says-catholic-church-files-on-paedophile-priests-were-destroyed-199312">Sacred Heart Church</a>, a note included the names of lawmakers who voted for the state’s Reproductive Privacy Act. The&nbsp;piece of legislation formally adopts a Supreme Court ruling from 1973 which legalises abortion into State law, a case known as the American public as Roe v Wade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-diocese-bishop-sued-over-employing-known-pedophiles-204501">US diocese, bishop sued over employing known pedophiles</a>

Reverend Dick Bucci has reportedly barred officials from witnessing marriages, reading funerals and serving as godparents after citing “2,000 years” of Catholic teachings.

A Democratic Senator Adam Satchell stated that he had learned of his inclusion on the list and expressed concern.

Carol Hagan McEntee, Democratic State&nbsp;Representative was allegedly asked to leave a relative's funeral and was banned from delivering the eulogy by Bucci.

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Here’s a photo of the notice received by lawmakers including <a href="https://twitter.com/repmcentee33?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@repmcentee33</a> <a href="https://t.co/diBYuAVod9">pic.twitter.com/diBYuAVod9</a>
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The passage of state law was led by McEntee which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse on children.

The State Representative's older sister had previously testified about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sexual-revolution-of-1960s-led-to-church-abuse-crisis-ex-pope-says-209656">sexual abuse</a> and had accused a priest who was with the Sacred Heart church.

The State Representative said that the Reverend should come to the Statehouse and listen to testimonies of individuals who survive paedophiles, for the ones who can share their stories are but a fraction of the multitudes of young souls who committed suicide or took to drugs to escape their agonizing past.

Another State representative who was also included in the Church's hate list was Julie Casimiro, who recommended that the Catholic Church review their policies carefully.&nbsp;

Carolyn Cronin, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Providence issued a statement recently. She said that though the Catholic Church provides detailed instructions for sacraments, the paster must apply them within his parish under Church law.

“Because the church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level.”

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act. Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone and abortion does.

Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone, says a priest from Rhode Island who has been criticising US lawmakers for their attempt to pass the Reproductive Privacy Act. Reverend Richard Bucci told a US local network that Paedophilia doesn't kill anyone and abortion does. The controversial priest had posted a list of 44 US lawmakers, saying that they will be barred from communion because of their support for "reproductive rights". In a community bulletin of the Sacred Heart Church, a note included the names of lawmakers who voted for the state’s Reproductive Privacy Act. The piece of legislation formally adopts a Supreme Court ruling from 1973 which legalises abortion into State law, a case known as the American public as Roe v Wade. Also Read: US diocese, bishop sued over employing known pedophiles Reverend Dick Bucci has reportedly barred officials from witnessing marriages, reading funerals and serving as godparents after citing “2,000 years” of Catholic teachings. A Democratic Senator Adam Satchell stated that he had learned of his inclusion on the list and expressed concern. Carol Hagan McEntee, Democratic State Representative was allegedly asked to leave a relative's funeral and was banned from delivering the eulogy by Bucci. Here’s a photo of the notice received by lawmakers including @repmcentee33 pic.twitter.com/diBYuAVod9 — Ian Donnis (@IanDon) January 31, 2020 × The passage of state law was led by McEntee which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse on children. The State Representative's older sister had previously testified about sexual abuse and had accused a priest who was with the Sacred Heart church. The State Representative said that the Reverend should come to the Statehouse and listen to testimonies of individuals who survive paedophiles, for the ones who can share their stories are but a fraction of the multitudes of young souls who committed suicide or took to drugs to escape their agonizing past. Another State representative who was also included in the Church's hate list was Julie Casimiro, who recommended that the Catholic Church review their policies carefully. Carolyn Cronin, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Providence issued a statement recently. She said that though the Catholic Church provides detailed instructions for sacraments, the paster must apply them within his parish under Church law. “Because the church entrusts to each pastor the duty of teaching, sanctifying and governing his parish, the daily pastoral and administrative decisions are made at the local parish level.”

Controversial US priest takes on lawmakers over Reproductive Privacy Act

Southeast Asia is in the grip of a fresh surge of paedophile activity with predators orchestrating and watching abuse on live-streaming sites and via webcams and paying for it with near-untraceable cryptocurrency, victims and children's charities warn.&nbsp;

With widespread poverty, lax laws, and creaking judicial systems, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines have long been seen as soft spots by foreign and local paedophiles seeking out underage sex in person.&nbsp;

Tougher policing and greater awareness have deterred some offenders, but technology has shifted the patterns of abuse in a region with growing access to broadband internet and encrypted technology.

Paedophiles can now use an array of mobile and online tools -- including social networks, video-sharing sites, and the dark web -- to direct and watch child rape and sexual abuse with anonymity, experts warn. &nbsp;

"Predators watch the rapes on large platforms that are not likely to close," said François Xavier Souchet, of Thai-based NGO Terre des Hommes.

"It's live, nothing is recorded... everything is encrypted. They pay more and more in Bitcoins, encrypted money makes their transactions as secure as possible," he added.

This week online giants including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook are giving evidence to the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA), which is being held in London and will look at how to prevent online sex crimes as part of its remit.&nbsp;

'I want to die'

Demand for child sexual abuse via webcam is an increasing cause of human trafficking, according to a UN report, with suggestions Thailand has become a hub in the trade, as well as the Philippines.&nbsp;

Cassie, a Filipina victim, said she was just 12 when she was forced to commit sexual acts -- both with an adult man and alone -- in front of a webcam.

She moved to Manila to work as a maid but was exploited by her mother's employer. The torment went on for five years.&nbsp;

She said "I felt trapped, betrayed and alone. I was thinking, 'I want to die, I want to die because of this pain, but I can't'."

Her abuser received a two year jail term in 2017.

Last month, advocacy and legal aid group International Justice Mission (IJM) warned Philippine children were at risk of being forced into live streamed sex abuse, where paedophiles pay to direct so-called "shows" online.&nbsp;

"Easy access to the web and money transfer services make the country a global hotspot for this problem," said IJM, noting that it is often parents or family members that organise or even commit the abuse.&nbsp;

Terre des Hommes drew attention to the problem using a computer-generated girl nicknamed "Sweetie" that hung out in chatrooms and was approached by about 20,000 people -- mostly men -- in a matter of weeks.&nbsp;

Last year a report by the Internet Watch Foundation found online child abuse imagery had increased by a third in 2017.&nbsp;

Death penalty

In March, a teacher was arrested and charged in his native France with rape, abuse of minors and possession of child pornography.

The 51-year-old, who worked in schools in Asia, is alleged to have befriended kids in a working-class Bangkok neighbourhood before building a rapport on social networks, police sources told AFP.

The same month, prosecutors charged another Frenchman with ordering videos of rape and sexual assaults of Filipino children.

The suspect, a 55-year-old former police officer, was arrested after a seizure of computers and live-streaming equipment in the Philippines.

In late April, former British Army officer Andrew Whiddett, 70, was found guilty by a London court of spending thousands of pounds paying for live-streamed sexual abuse of children from the Philippines.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates 80,000 people in the UK present some kind of sexual threat to children online.

The cyber-abuse phenomenon is reaching "Cambodia and Vietnam", warned Damian Kean, of the Thai-based NGO ECPAT, which specialises in combating the sexual exploitation of children.

In hyperconnected Vietnam, foreign paedophiles are increasingly targeting young victims online, often on social media.&nbsp;

The communist state last year instated harsher penalties to combat the crime -- anyone guilty of molesting a child under 16 faces 12 years in prison, while child rape comes with a maximum sentence of death.

But catching a paedophile requires help from the communities within which they operate - communities which are often marginalised, poor and mistrustful.

Souchet of Terre des Hommes explained: "Particularly ethnic minority communities across the region do not trust local authorities."

Southeast Asia is in the grip of a fresh surge of paedophile activity with predators orchestrating and watching abuse on live-streaming sites and via webcams and paying for it with near-untraceable cryptocurrency, victims and children's charities warn.

Southeast Asia is in the grip of a fresh surge of paedophile activity with predators orchestrating and watching abuse on live-streaming sites and via webcams and paying for it with near-untraceable cryptocurrency, victims and children's charities warn. With widespread poverty, lax laws, and creaking judicial systems, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines have long been seen as soft spots by foreign and local paedophiles seeking out underage sex in person. Tougher policing and greater awareness have deterred some offenders, but technology has shifted the patterns of abuse in a region with growing access to broadband internet and encrypted technology. Paedophiles can now use an array of mobile and online tools -- including social networks, video-sharing sites, and the dark web -- to direct and watch child rape and sexual abuse with anonymity, experts warn. "Predators watch the rapes on large platforms that are not likely to close," said François Xavier Souchet, of Thai-based NGO Terre des Hommes. "It's live, nothing is recorded... everything is encrypted. They pay more and more in Bitcoins, encrypted money makes their transactions as secure as possible," he added. This week online giants including Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook are giving evidence to the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse (IICSA), which is being held in London and will look at how to prevent online sex crimes as part of its remit. 'I want to die' Demand for child sexual abuse via webcam is an increasing cause of human trafficking, according to a UN report, with suggestions Thailand has become a hub in the trade, as well as the Philippines. Cassie, a Filipina victim, said she was just 12 when she was forced to commit sexual acts -- both with an adult man and alone -- in front of a webcam. She moved to Manila to work as a maid but was exploited by her mother's employer. The torment went on for five years. She said "I felt trapped, betrayed and alone. I was thinking, 'I want to die, I want to die because of this pain, but I can't'." Her abuser received a two year jail term in 2017. Last month, advocacy and legal aid group International Justice Mission (IJM) warned Philippine children were at risk of being forced into live streamed sex abuse, where paedophiles pay to direct so-called "shows" online. "Easy access to the web and money transfer services make the country a global hotspot for this problem," said IJM, noting that it is often parents or family members that organise or even commit the abuse. Terre des Hommes drew attention to the problem using a computer-generated girl nicknamed "Sweetie" that hung out in chatrooms and was approached by about 20,000 people -- mostly men -- in a matter of weeks. Last year a report by the Internet Watch Foundation found online child abuse imagery had increased by a third in 2017. Death penalty In March, a teacher was arrested and charged in his native France with rape, abuse of minors and possession of child pornography. The 51-year-old, who worked in schools in Asia, is alleged to have befriended kids in a working-class Bangkok neighbourhood before building a rapport on social networks, police sources told AFP. The same month, prosecutors charged another Frenchman with ordering videos of rape and sexual assaults of Filipino children. The suspect, a 55-year-old former police officer, was arrested after a seizure of computers and live-streaming equipment in the Philippines. In late April, former British Army officer Andrew Whiddett, 70, was found guilty by a London court of spending thousands of pounds paying for live-streamed sexual abuse of children from the Philippines. The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates 80,000 people in the UK present some kind of sexual threat to children online. The cyber-abuse phenomenon is reaching "Cambodia and Vietnam", warned Damian Kean, of the Thai-based NGO ECPAT, which specialises in combating the sexual exploitation of children. In hyperconnected Vietnam, foreign paedophiles are increasingly targeting young victims online, often on social media. The communist state last year instated harsher penalties to combat the crime -- anyone guilty of molesting a child under 16 faces 12 years in prison, while child rape comes with a maximum sentence of death. But catching a paedophile requires help from the communities within which they operate - communities which are often marginalised, poor and mistrustful. Souchet of Terre des Hommes explained: "Particularly ethnic minority communities across the region do not trust local authorities."

Keyboard predators: Southeast Asia's kids targeted by online paedophiles

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A Pakistani man bearing resemblance to the suspect of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl was detained by the police in Pakistan&#39;s Punjab on Tuesday.

The man&nbsp;arrested due to his resemblance to the suspect in a CCTV footage released by the police. He has been handed over to Kasur Police for DNA test.

District Police Officer Zahid Ali Marwat said they had examined 20 video footages, and of them, only footage, where the minor girl was seen walking with the suspect, was real.

Earlier in January, the seven-year-old girl in Lahore&#39;s Kasur district was abducted from outside of her aunt&#39;s house, while her parents were away on pilgrimage.

Her body was found in a garbage dumpster, four days after she was reported missing.&nbsp;

The post-mortem report revealed that she was raped multiple times and was strangled to death.

The unfortunate incident ignited nationwide protests and outrage over allegations of government inaction.

Celebrities like&nbsp;Ali Zafar and Mahira Khan came out in support of the girl and demanded justice for the victim.

The man who abducted minor girl is said to be a serial killer. Police believe the suspected man has assaulted nine girls of the age of five to ten years out of which he killed seven.

The girl&#39;s murder was the 12th such incident reported in Kasur district in a year.

(With inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The arrested man has been handed over to Kasur Police for DNA test

A Pakistani man bearing resemblance to the suspect of raping and murdering a seven-year-old girl was detained by the police in Pakistan's Punjab on Tuesday. The man arrested due to his resemblance to the suspect in a CCTV footage released by the police. He has been handed over to Kasur Police for DNA test. District Police Officer Zahid Ali Marwat said they had examined 20 video footages, and of them, only footage, where the minor girl was seen walking with the suspect, was real. Earlier in January, the seven-year-old girl in Lahore's Kasur district was abducted from outside of her aunt's house, while her parents were away on pilgrimage. Her body was found in a garbage dumpster, four days after she was reported missing. The post-mortem report revealed that she was raped multiple times and was strangled to death. The unfortunate incident ignited nationwide protests and outrage over allegations of government inaction. Celebrities like Ali Zafar and Mahira Khan came out in support of the girl and demanded justice for the victim. The man who abducted minor girl is said to be a serial killer. Police believe the suspected man has assaulted nine girls of the age of five to ten years out of which he killed seven. The girl's murder was the 12th such incident reported in Kasur district in a year. (With inputs from PTI)

Lahore rape and murder case: Man resembling suspect arrested

A man looks with interest at the child sitting in front of him in the metro, as a voice asks off-screen: &quot;Do you like children in ways that you shouldn&#39;t?&quot;

&quot;Help is available,&quot; adds the advertisement broadcast on German television and over the internet, urging people who feel sexually attracted to children to join a unique therapy programme called &quot;Don&#39;t offend&quot; (Kein Taeter werden).

Launched some 11 years ago, the largely publicly funded project by Berlin&#39;s top university hospital Charite calls on paedophiles to undertake a treatment that helps them control their urges. More than 7,000 people have sought information on the programme which is offered in 11 centres across Germany.&nbsp;

Of these, 659 people have undertaken the therapy, with 251 completing the entire programme. Another 265 are currently being given treatment either in group or individual sessions. The German initiative is unique because it deals with potential sex criminals, or those who have already committed abuses but have managed to escape justice.

Other programmes deal with convicted paedophiles who have also been issued specific orders to seek medical care. Klaus Beier, who leads the prevention network as well as Charite&#39;s sexual medicine institute, has no illusions about the programme.

&quot;Paedophilia is not curable,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;But it can be treated,&quot; he added, stressing that &quot;a paedophile can learn to control his urges.&quot;

Treating urge to prevent crime&nbsp;

The project is grounded on the principle that sexual attraction to children is a medical problem, and as Beier said, &quot;not a crime&quot; until the urge is acted upon.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization too classifies paedophilia as a &quot;sexual preference disorder&quot;.

Over one or two years, during two-hour sessions every week, the patient is taught to develop strategies to stop himself from acting on his tendencies or from consuming child pornography. The programme also helps the patient to acquire a level of empathy towards potential victims, which could go towards dissuading him from hurting them.

The patient can choose to remain anonymous throughout the treatment, even with his therapist, and at the end of the programme, he can request follow-ups. Medical help, such as chemical castration, is also offered on a voluntary basis.&nbsp;

Scientists from around the world including countries in North America as well as Switzerland and India, have been watching the project with interest. &quot;In France, we are still at the starting point on creating a programme that is similar to Germany&#39;s,&quot; said a psychiatrist at France&#39;s health and medical research institute Inserm, Serge Stoleru.

He said the response from authorities had been that &quot;paedophilia is a tricky subject.&quot;

But even in Germany, one of the countries scarred by a massive paedophile priest scandal in the Roman Catholic Church, the therapy programme is controversial.

Not only is there strong societal pressure against the programme, Beier said that even in the pharmaceutical world, there is &quot;great reticence&quot; towards developing medicine for paedophiles that could take effect rapidly.

However, Jerome Braun, who leads a child protection foundation called Hansel and Gretel that co-funds the therapy programme, said that prevention work must not only be targeted at bringing awareness to potential victims in kindergartens or schools.

&quot;It should also look at potential criminals because each act prevented is a child saved,&quot; he said.

(AFP)

 
&nbsp;

The programme is offered in 11 centres across Germany

A man looks with interest at the child sitting in front of him in the metro, as a voice asks off-screen: "Do you like children in ways that you shouldn't?" "Help is available," adds the advertisement broadcast on German television and over the internet, urging people who feel sexually attracted to children to join a unique therapy programme called "Don't offend" (Kein Taeter werden). Launched some 11 years ago, the largely publicly funded project by Berlin's top university hospital Charite calls on paedophiles to undertake a treatment that helps them control their urges. More than 7,000 people have sought information on the programme which is offered in 11 centres across Germany. Of these, 659 people have undertaken the therapy, with 251 completing the entire programme. Another 265 are currently being given treatment either in group or individual sessions. The German initiative is unique because it deals with potential sex criminals, or those who have already committed abuses but have managed to escape justice. Other programmes deal with convicted paedophiles who have also been issued specific orders to seek medical care. Klaus Beier, who leads the prevention network as well as Charite's sexual medicine institute, has no illusions about the programme. "Paedophilia is not curable," he said. "But it can be treated," he added, stressing that "a paedophile can learn to control his urges." Treating urge to prevent crime The project is grounded on the principle that sexual attraction to children is a medical problem, and as Beier said, "not a crime" until the urge is acted upon. The World Health Organization too classifies paedophilia as a "sexual preference disorder". Over one or two years, during two-hour sessions every week, the patient is taught to develop strategies to stop himself from acting on his tendencies or from consuming child pornography. The programme also helps the patient to acquire a level of empathy towards potential victims, which could go towards dissuading him from hurting them. The patient can choose to remain anonymous throughout the treatment, even with his therapist, and at the end of the programme, he can request follow-ups. Medical help, such as chemical castration, is also offered on a voluntary basis. Scientists from around the world including countries in North America as well as Switzerland and India, have been watching the project with interest. "In France, we are still at the starting point on creating a programme that is similar to Germany's," said a psychiatrist at France's health and medical research institute Inserm, Serge Stoleru. He said the response from authorities had been that "paedophilia is a tricky subject." But even in Germany, one of the countries scarred by a massive paedophile priest scandal in the Roman Catholic Church, the therapy programme is controversial. Not only is there strong societal pressure against the programme, Beier said that even in the pharmaceutical world, there is "great reticence" towards developing medicine for paedophiles that could take effect rapidly. However, Jerome Braun, who leads a child protection foundation called Hansel and Gretel that co-funds the therapy programme, said that prevention work must not only be targeted at bringing awareness to potential victims in kindergartens or schools. "It should also look at potential criminals because each act prevented is a child saved," he said. (AFP)

German hospital uses therapy to 'treat' paedophiles

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