Youth movements to receive prompt information on suspected sex offenders

Youth movements to receive prompt information on suspected sex offenders

Courts will now be able to provide youth organisations with prompt information on mentors suspected of paedophilia or child pornography, following an agreement between Justice Minister Koen Geens and the college of public prosecutors, Het Nieuwsblad, De Standaard and Gazet van Antwerpen reported on Monday. This type of measure already exists for schools.

Until now, youth organisations were informed of the involvement of a teacher or attendant in such abuses only after they were convicted. While the investigation lasted, no measure could be taken to protect the presumed victims.

The information will not be conveyed automatically. Courts will need to decide based on the gravity of the facts and the impact on the investigation. They will be assisted by specialized magistrates.

The new dispositions were initiated at the request of Flemish Minister of Youth, Sven Gatz. For now, they do not concern sports organisations.


The Brussels Times


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