Alofoke asserts that Congress will amend the Penal Code to remove articles that affect freedom of expression

Santo Domingo.– Businessman and communicator Santiago Matías (Alofoke) stated this Thursday that the National Congress will introduce a bill this Friday to amend the new Penal Code, which includes changes to 16 articles, including provisions that, according to various sectors, limited freedom of expression in the Dominican Republic.

During a live broadcast on his digital platforms, Matías described the decision as a “great achievement for the Dominican people” and assured that the modifications are the result of several weeks of dialogue between representatives of alternative media, legal teams, and the Executive Branch.

The communicator revealed that a commission composed of José Peguero, Ariel Lara, Ramón Tolentino, Ricardo Ripoll, El Piro, and himself held meetings with President Luis Abinader at the National Palace, where they expressed their concerns regarding several articles of the Penal Code, including those identified as 192, 308, and 310.

“The modifications will be submitted this Friday. Not only will the articles related to freedom of expression be corrected, but also others that conflicted with previous decisions of the Constitutional Court,” maintained Matías.

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As explained, the legal teams of both parties worked together until reaching a consensus that will allow for the introduction of changes before the Penal Code comes into effect, which is scheduled for August.

Matías thanked President Abinader for receiving the commission and listening to their proposals, while highlighting the role played by digital media and the citizens who supported the cause through social networks.

“This was not achieved by fighting, it was achieved by dialoguing, reaching consensus, and seeking solutions. Freedom of expression must be protected and preserved,” he/she expressed.

Likewise, he announced that he will publish the draft of the modifications as soon as it is delivered to him and assured that the process will continue in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies during the current legislative session.

The communicator also maintained that it was the alternative media that drove the public debate regarding the questioned articles of the Penal Code and stated that citizen mobilization contributed to the authorities reviewing the content of the legislation.

Finally, Santiago Matías called on the population to remain vigilant during the legislative process and celebrated what he considers an advance in favor of democracy and constitutional guarantees in the country.