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Batista defends the entry into force of the piece
n” “nSanto Domingo.– The president of the Permanent Justice Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, Wandy Batista, assured this Wednesday that the new Penal Code does not violate freedom of expression, while defending the content of the piece against questions from different sectors.
n” “nThe legislator maintained that the criticisms regarding an alleged impact on the press stem from a “conceptual error,” stating that defamation and slander have been classified as crimes in Dominican legislation since the time of the Napoleonic Code.
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“I do not believe there is a single article that conflicts with freedom of the press,” stated Batista, who explained that Congress did not introduce new restrictions on that right, but rather toughened the penalties for defamation and slander offenses in light of the increase in such conduct.
n” “n“The Penal Code of the Dominican Republic has always punished defamation and slander, both against citizens and public authorities. What we did was increase the penalties, because this is falling into such a degeneration that it could be dangerous for the Republic itself,” he stated.
In response to the questions raised by the Dominican Medical Association, Batista rejected the claim that legislators approved the Code without studying it and described that assertion as “false” and “mendacious”.
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He recalled that the commission heard the arguments of the medical association and asserted that the concerns expressed lack legal basis.
n” “nHe explained that the provisions regarding the criminal liability of legal entities are not aimed exclusively at the health sector, but apply transversally to all companies and institutions with legal personality.
n” “nLikewise, he specified that the only provision that makes express reference to health professionals sanctions the malicious issuance of false medical certifications, differentiating it from a medical diagnosis that may turn out to be incorrect.
n” “nHowever, Batista acknowledged that the legislation is not perfect and stated that the National Congress remains willing to consider proposals for amendment.
n” “n“The code can be improved and the National Congress is open to listening to all sectors. If something can be done better, there is no problem; we will consider it,” he concluded.
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