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New law to tackle 'revenge porn' in Scotland New law to tackle 'revenge porn' in Scotland
(about 4 hours later)
A new law to tackle revenge pornography is to be introduced in Scotland.A new law to tackle revenge pornography is to be introduced in Scotland.
The BBC understands the Scottish government intends to make it a specific criminal offence to publish explicit images of someone without their consent.The BBC understands the Scottish government intends to make it a specific criminal offence to publish explicit images of someone without their consent.
New legislation has already been drawn up for England and Wales.New legislation has already been drawn up for England and Wales.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill urging him to follow suit.The Scottish Liberal Democrats have written to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill urging him to follow suit.
Revenge pornography often involves someone posting, or threatening to post, intimate photographs or video of a former partner online without their permission.Revenge pornography often involves someone posting, or threatening to post, intimate photographs or video of a former partner online without their permission.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: "It is important that victims don't suffer in silence and know that they have done nothing wrong.Scottish Liberal Democrat Justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: "It is important that victims don't suffer in silence and know that they have done nothing wrong.
"I believe that introducing specific legislation to tackle these despicable and cowardly acts will give victims confidence that such violations of their privacy are unacceptable and illegal.""I believe that introducing specific legislation to tackle these despicable and cowardly acts will give victims confidence that such violations of their privacy are unacceptable and illegal."
'Growing problem'
Victims have often found it difficult to have pictures removed from the internet. Many sites where the images are hosted are based outside the UK, and requests to remove content are often ignored.Victims have often found it difficult to have pictures removed from the internet. Many sites where the images are hosted are based outside the UK, and requests to remove content are often ignored.
At least five cases have been successfully prosecuted in Scotland under existing law.At least five cases have been successfully prosecuted in Scotland under existing law.
But the Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland, has suggested a specific offence may help deal with what he has described as a "growing problem".But the Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland, has suggested a specific offence may help deal with what he has described as a "growing problem".
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government is already considering the creation of a specific new offence for posting or distributing revenge pornography. A Scottish government spokeswoman said: 'The Scottish government is already exploring seriously the creation of a specific new offence for posting or distributing revenge pornography.
"It should also be noted that there are existing laws that can be used to prosecute this crime." "This activity is designed to humiliate the victim and there are existing laws that can be used to prosecute offenders.
"We supported the Lord Advocate when he raised this issue earlier this year and highlighted the very damaging effect this type of behaviour can have on victims.
"It is important that people, especially victims, know that the behaviour is unacceptable which is where a new offence could help. We expect to make a formal announcement very soon."
Earlier this week, the House of Lords agreed unanimously to make "revenge porn" a criminal offence in England and Wales.Earlier this week, the House of Lords agreed unanimously to make "revenge porn" a criminal offence in England and Wales.