Latvia, Law and Regulations, Legislation, Society

Returning to the controversial issue of the recent child abuse case in Liepaja, Jansons said that community service will neither punish nor resocialize the "two perverted individuals". Jansons admitted that the court procedure was conducted according to the laws of Latvia, but the question is whether the sentence was adequate.

Jansons said that statute of limitations for sex crimes against children should be removed, as children may not be aware that they are victims of a crime at the time of perpetration.

The Ombudsman's Office also pointed to sexual harassment in Latvia's orphanages. Jansons said that these institutions are subject to systematic problems.

As reported, Liepaja Court recently sentenced a father and his son to community service for lewd conduct against a minor. The case has stirred controversy in the community, as many believe the sentence is too lenient.