Lawmakers approve changes in penal code

Greek MPs approved in principle on Wednesday night a Justice Ministry bill revising the penal code with stricter penalties for migrant trafficking, rape and child abuse.

The legislation was backed by ruling New Democracy, Movement for Change (KINAL) and far-right Greek Solution, while main opposition SYRIZA, the Communist Party and MeRA25 voted it down.

"Those who claim to uphold morality must at some point also assume their own responsibility," Justice Minister Kostas Tsiaras told lawmakers during the debate.

The bill had originally been slated to include a provision reinstating penalties for public blasphemy but that proposed reform was withdrawn by the minister following vehement criticism by the political opposition and a public outcry.

The new law essentially amends the penal code that the previous leftist government had approved in the summer a few...