A new law aimed at curbing recidivism among sexual and violent crimes has been published in the Royal Gazette and is due to take effect in 90 days. It allows for the chemical castration of convicted rapists once released if they are considered at high risk of reoffending.
Before it was passed into law, the 2022 act on measures to prevent repeat sexual or violent criminal offences sparked heated debate in parliament, especially over the practicality of using chemical castration as a preventive measure.
This is listed in the new law as one of the medical interventions on offer to decrease men’s sexual hormones that can be applied to convicted rapists under certain conditions, said an informed source.
Another measure imposes legal restraints on ex-cons who are convicted of rape so they cannot get close to potential victims, the source said.
Prohibiting them from engaging in certain activities that may heighten the risk of them repeating their crime, and prohibiting them from entering designated areas, are also on the list, the source added.
Others considered to have an especially high risk of reoffending can be prohibited from leaving the country without a formal court order, be required to stay in designated places where they can be monitored, be confined to a rehabilitation facility, or otherwise undergo a rehabilitation programme as recommended by the Ministry of Public Health, said the source.
Regular meetings with their probation officer, and frequent participation in activities ordered by the court or the probation officer, are among the other measures encoded in the new law, the source added.
Other convicts may be required to wear an electronic bracelet at all times.