Plakolm for Educational Institutions for Delinquent Youth

Before the Council of Ministers, Family Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) spoke in favor of "reform schools" for delinquent youths. "Whether 'Yes means Yes' is the solution, I dare to doubt," she said. "Because a twelve-year-old cannot say yes in this context."

Plakolm after acquittals: Cannot watch helplessly

SPÖ State Secretary Michaela Schmidt promptly countered this. "But a twelve-year-old girl can say no even less," she said when asked after the Council of Ministers. Such a consent principle - as it applies in Spain, for example - was brought up again by SPÖ Justice Minister Anna Sporrer on Monday. "We cannot watch helplessly while twelve-year-olds roam our streets, so to speak, under the freedom of the law and rape girls," was the drastic image drawn by the ÖVP Minister. Therefore, reform schools are needed for difficult-to-educate, delinquent youths.

Coalition sees need for action after acquittals

The verdict has highlighted legal loopholes that need to be closed, emphasized both the pink Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr and SPÖ State Secretary for State Protection Jörg Leichtfried. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) said the result is "legally understandable, but unsatisfactory for all of us." Currently, it is being examined how the existing sexual criminal law can be further developed, it was said on Monday by the Justice Minister.

(APA/Red)

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