National Assembly approved on April 26 changes to Bulgaria’s Penal Code.

These envision fines varying from 5000 to 15000 leva and prison sentences of two to eight year for those persuading others into prostitution.

In case an individual offers another person narcotic substances, trying to lower their resistance and force them into various criminal activities, the penalty varies from 100 000 to 300 000 leva and the prison sentence can reach 10 to 12 years.

Online distribution of pornographic materials gets a fine of 1000 to 3000 leva. The prison sentence is up to two years.

The Penal Code lists new sanctions for the spreading of anti-democratic ideologies and forced changes of public order and social norms. Commercial activity carried out without the needed licenses is also to be punished.