Santo Domingo.– The secretary general of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Johnny Pujols, stated this Sunday that the proposed Penal Code reform contains ambiguous provisions that, in his view, could affect freedom of expression, legal certainty, and other fundamental rights, which is why he reiterated the organization’s call for the initiative to undergo a more thorough review before its final approval.
During a political activity in the municipal district of La Guáyiga, Pujols maintained that the National Congress must analyze with greater care the observations presented by jurists, civil society organizations, and various national sectors regarding the content of the legislative piece.
The PLD leader expressed concern regarding several articles of the bill, including 310, related to the crime of outrage; 141; and 173, concerning discrimination and degrading treatment, as he considers their wording leaves room for arbitrary interpretations.
“There are many ambiguities in the terms that make one lack confidence or certainty about how that will end up being applied and how that will affect the legal certainty of our companies,” he stated.
Pujols also questioned the classification of so-called extortionate defamation, noting that the phrase “benefit of any nature” is too broad and could lead to restrictions on the exercise of journalism, communication, and political activity.
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“We are all against anyone using a means of communication to extort another person, but when it comes to benefits of any nature, many questions arise,” he stated, warning that such wording could lead to interpretations that affect public liberties.
In the same activity, former senator and member of the PLD Political Committee, Cristina Lizardo, considered that the bill should have been subjected to a broader and more participatory discussion process, due to the impact it would have on fundamental rights and legal certainty.
Lizardo also questioned the speed with which Congress reviewed the proposals to amend the Penal Code and maintained that a reform of that magnitude requires more time for analysis and the holding of public hearings to listen to the different sectors of society.
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During the day, the PLD also highlighted the strengthening of its organizational structure. Pujols reported that the organization has inaugurated 119 offices throughout the country, including three new spaces in Palmarejo Villa Linda, La Guáyiga, and Pedro Brand, as part of its reorganization strategy with a view toward the 2028 elections.
