Government OKs Sex Crime Measures

Belgium’s government approved tough measures to fight sex crimes as the nation reeled from what authorities say was a deadly pedophile ring. A 2-week-old investigation has turned up the remains of two young girls, brought 10 arrests and prompted strong criticism of Belgium’s police and judicial system. In a bid to reassure the public, the government approved sweeping measures to crack down on sex offenders, including making it more difficult for convicted pedophiles to win early release from prison. Marc Dutroux, the prime suspect in the current case, was released from prison in 1992 after serving only three years of a 13-year sentence for raping five children.