Fuerza del Pueblo calls for expanding the study of the Penal Code and holding public hearings

The Fuerza del Pueblo legislators who are part of the bicameral commission in charge of studying the Penal Code reform bill requested to extend the analysis period of the initiative and open a public hearing process so that the consulted organizations can present and support their observations before the approval of the piece.

The congressmen expressed their concern regarding what they consider an attempt to review the observations submitted by 84 organizations, institutions, and citizens in an “accelerated and hasty” manner, warning that a rushed review could lead to legal contradictions or even questions of constitutionality.

They maintained that the contributions received require a deep technical, legal, and constitutional analysis, due to the impact that the new Penal Code will have on the justice system and on the protection of fundamental rights.

In that context, they reported that they will formally propose to the bicameral commission to extend the work deadline in order to evaluate with greater rigor the recommendations presented by the different sectors consulted.

In addition, they will propose holding public hearings so that organizations can directly present the foundations of their approaches and contribute to the legislative debate. As an alternative, they suggested holding working groups with representatives of those entities to delve into the aspects that require more detailed analysis.

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Opposition lawmakers stated that the approval of a new Penal Code must be the result of a broad, participatory, and technically sound process that allows the country to have modern, coherent legislation that is in line with the Constitution.

Finally, they assured that their proposal does not seek to delay the commission’s work, but rather to contribute to Congress passing a quality regulation, built on the basis of consensus, dialogue, and respect for the observations made by the different sectors of Dominican society.