MOSCOW - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has given his support to law amendments envisaging chemical castration for convicted pedophiles, local media reported Tuesday.

"The punishment should be as severe as possible. The state should apply all the measures and no liberal approach is applicable here," Medvedev said amidst mounting concerns over sex crimes against minors in Russia.

Medvedev said special injections blocking hormonal activities could be used on the convicts and only on a voluntary basis.

"Considering the monstrous crimes that have been committed, it is our duty to at least discuss this issue," the president said.

The State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, reported that about 70 percent of Russia's sex offenders get away with suspended sentences every year.