ADOCCO proposes changes to the Penal Code to strengthen freedom of expression

Santo Domingo.– The Dominican Alliance Against Corruption (ADOCCO) submitted a document to the Chamber of Deputies this Monday containing proposals to amend several articles of Organic Law No. 74-25, which establishes the Penal Code, with the aim of strengthening freedom of expression, freedom of the press, legal certainty, and the constitutional coherence of the regulations.

The organization explained that the recommendations are the result of a legal analysis of the modifications submitted by the Executive Branch. Although it valued the changes introduced regarding freedom of expression and public interest, it considered that there are still provisions that can be improved to ensure a better balance between the protection of fundamental rights and the application of Criminal Law.

The proposals cover articles 186, 192, 194, 208, 211, 212, 234, and 310. According to ADOCCO, the changes seek to strengthen the protection of the public interest, guarantee the responsible exercise of investigative journalism, clarify the criminal liability of legal entities, and ensure that the Penal Code is compatible with the Constitution and international treaties signed by the country.

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The entity stated that its proposals do not seek to eliminate criminal liabilities or grant privileges to any sector, but rather to contribute to the technical improvement of the legislation. Likewise, it reiterated its willingness to participate in the working groups convened by the National Congress and expressed its confidence that the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alfredo Pacheco, and the legislators will evaluate the proposals with openness, within the framework of the Penal Code review process.