By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Justice is seeking to double the maximum jail term for repeat child molesters to 30 years through a revision of the Criminal Law.

Under the proposal, the jail term for first-time offenders will be raised to 20 years ― up from 15. For repeat perpetrators, a conviction may carry up to 30 years behind bars.

The statute of limitations for sexual assaults on minors will also be extended to when the victim reaches the age of 20. Currently it is 15 years following the assault.

Additionally, pleas for leniency on the basis that the assaulter was under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be disallowed.

Reviews by doctors and psychologists will be strengthened on those who plead for leniency on the grounds of temporary insanity.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr