Romania introduces life imprisonment for femicide under new law

Romania’s President Nicușor Dan has signed a law aimed at combating femicide, defined as the intentional killing of women or murders committed in the context of domestic violence motivated by gender-based hatred.

According to a post on the president’s official Facebook page, under the new legislation, perpetrators may face prison sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years, or life imprisonment.

“Violence against women has long been ignored or treated insufficiently effectively,” the statement said, adding that the law transforms Romania’s commitment to ensuring the safety of women and children into a concrete enforcement mechanism.

Previously, such crimes were classified in Romania as aggravated murder. The new law formally introduces the term “femicide” into legal terminology as a distinct form of gender-based violence.

It also extends protection to victims under the age of 18, including girls.

By Jeyhun Aghazada