Justice Minister proposes draft bill to stiffen sentences for aggravated crimes

A draft bill prepared by Justice Minister Lech Kaczynski proposes making the receiving and giving of bribes a crime punishable by up to 15 years' imprisonment. Kaczynski is also proposing stiffer penalties for aggravated crimes and the reduction or elimination of suspended sentences. Assault, murder and rape rates are increasing, but sentences are becoming more lenient. In particular, the Minister is disturbed at the number of years served by murderers, and wants it raised to between eight and ten years. (Rzeczpospolita, Aug. 6, page A1) S.M.