Forced Marriages Could Become a Criminal Offence under New Immigration Plans
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Forcing someone to marry against their will could become a criminal offence under plans set out by Prime Minister David Cameron today.


Mr Cameron announced he was making it a criminal offence to breach an order issued by the courts to prevent a forced marriage and he has asked Home Secretary Theresa May to consult on whether the practice should be made an offence in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The cross-party Commons Home Affairs Committee called earlier this year for forced marriage to be criminalised, but its recommendation was rejected by the Home Office in July for fear that it would discourage victims from coming forward.

The Prime Minister announced today he was asking Mrs May to rethink the decision in a speech in central London in which he outlined measures to get immigration under control, including "stricter and clearer" tests on those claiming the right to settle in the UK to be with their spouses.

"Forced marriage is little more than slavery," said Mr Cameron.

"To force someone into marriage is completely wrong. And I strongly believe this is a problem we should not shy away from addressing. But I know that there is a worry that criminalisation could make it less likely that those at risk will come forward. » | James Kirkup, Political Correspondent | Monday, October 10, 2011

Germany Moves to Ban Forced Marriages
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germany's government has proposed criminalising forced marriage in an attempt to wipe out the traditional Muslim practice.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's Cabinet agreed to a proposed law that would make forced marriage in Germany a crime that can be punished with up to five years in prison.

The legislation still needs to pass parliament.

"Forced marriages are a serious problem in Germany," Thomas de Maiziere, the interior minister, said, adding that by criminalising them Germany would make clear that this is no longer "a tradition from olden times or different cultures that is ... tolerable."

About 4.3 million Muslims live in Germany, and forced marriage is still fairly common, especially among Turks and Arabs.

There are no official figures on the number of forced marriages, but rights groups say that increasing numbers of young immigrants who grew up in Germany and identify with Western values and the right to choose their own partners are rebelling against the tradition. >>> | Thursday, October 28, 2010

Italian Parliament Criminalizes Illegal Immigration
USA TODAY: ROME — Italy's lower chamber of parliament has passed a hotly debated measure making it a crime to enter or stay in Italy illegally as Premier Silvio Berlusconi's conservative forces continue cracking down on illegal migration.

In a bid to ensure swift passage, Berlusconi's allies put the legislation to a confidence vote, which they easily won 316-258. Confidence votes force lawmakers to close ranks since defeat would force the government's resignation.

The legislation must now be approved by the senate. It would make it a crime to enter or stay in Italy illegally, punishable by a fine of $6,840-$13,670, although no prison penalty would be imposed. In addition, the legislation imposes a prison term of up to three years for anyone who rents an apartment to an illegal immigrant. [Source: USA Today] AP | Wednesday, May 13, 2009

NZZ Online: Italiens Parlament macht illegale Einwanderung strafbar: Geldstrafe bis 10'000 Euro – Abstimmung mit Vertrauensfrage verknüpft

Ein umstrittenes Gesetz des italienischen Ministerpräsidenten zur Strafverfolgung illegaler Einwanderer hat die erste parlamentarische Hürde genommen.

Italiens Regierungschef Silvio Berlusconi macht ernst. Mit gleich drei Vertrauensabstimmungen boxte er im Parlament seine Vorschläge für eine strengere Ausländer- und Flüchtlingspolitik durch.

Wer illegal nach Italien einreist oder sich dort aufhält, muss gemäss dem Gesetzesentwurf künftig 5000 bis 10'000 Euro Geldstrafe zahlen. Eine Haftstrafe ist nicht vorgesehen. Allerdings muss mit bis zu drei Jahren Haft rechnen, wer illegal eingewanderten Personen eine Wohnung vermietet. >>> sda/dpa | Mittwoch, 13. Mai 2009