Article 23 — Slavery, Trafficking, and Forced Labour
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In implementation of the prohibition set forth in Article 34 of the Fundamental Laws, this Article criminalises slavery, servitude, forced labour, human trafficking, and economic exploitation.
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Any national who engages in, organises, facilitates, finances, or knowingly profits from any of the following acts commits an offence:
- Holding a person in slavery or servitude.
- Subjecting a person to forced or compulsory labour.
- Trafficking in persons, namely recruiting, transporting, harbouring, or receiving a person by means of threat, force, coercion, deception, or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation.
- Economic exploitation of another person.
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An offence under this Article is classified as a grave offence.
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A person convicted of an offence under this Article is liable to any combination of the following sanctions, in accordance with Article 10:
- A fine not exceeding $500,000.
- Public censure.
- Forfeiture of all proceeds derived from or connected with the offence.
- Permanent exclusion from all State services.
- Revocation of honours.
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There is no limitation period for offences under this Article, in accordance with Article 14.
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A conviction under this Article constitutes a conviction for "exploitation" within the meaning of Article 13(4)(d) of the Civil Code and bars the convicted person from appointment as guardian.