Madagascar’s parliament has passed a new law permitting the surgical castration of paedophiles convicted of their crimes, a move reminiscent of Kazakhstan’s recent enactment targeting severe child sex offenders. The National Assembly of Madagascar approved the legislation on Friday, February 2, legalizing the castration of child rapists in the East African nation.
Under the previous law, individuals found guilty of raping minors faced between five and 20 years of forced labor. However, the new law stipulates that those convicted of raping children under ten years old will undergo surgical castration and receive life imprisonment. Offenders who victimize children aged ten to 13 will undergo chemical castration and be sentenced to 15 to 20 years of forced labor. If the perpetrator is a minor themselves, they will be exempt from castration.
Minister of Justice Landy Randriamanantenasoa voiced support for the bill, emphasizing societal awareness of the offenders’ actions and identities. The legislation was proposed by President Andry Rajoelina, a key campaign promise during his reelection bid last year.
Although supported domestically, the new law has faced criticism from international organizations. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, denounced the measure as cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment inconsistent with Malagasy constitutional principles and international human rights standards.
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Responding to criticism, Minister Randriamanantenasoa reaffirmed Madagascar’s sovereignty, dismissing concerns about human rights violations.
