Bulgaria introduces sentences of up to 10 years for selling babies

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Thursday August 31, 2006

Sofia- Bulgaria has introduced prison sentences of up to 10 years for smugglers of pregnant women in a bid to crack down on the practise of selling children and babies abroad, local newspapers reported Thursday. Under the amendment to the penal code, mothers found guilty of selling their children in Bulgaria or abroad risk prison terms of up to six years plus fines of up to 15,000 leva (7,672 euros).

Smugglers of pregnant women who arrange for their transport abroad to sell their newborns also face similar fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.

The harsher sentences were prompted by an increase in the number of poor Bulgarian women selling their babies, mainly in neighbouring Greece.

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur