Johnny Aristy calls for consensus to correct Penal Code articles that limit freedom of expression

Santo Domingo.– The candidate for the presidency of the Bar Association of the Dominican Republic (CARD), Johnny Aristy, considered that any provision of the new Penal Code that could affect freedom of expression must be reviewed and corrected, while advocating for a dialogue process between the different sectors of society.

Aristy maintained that, although the country now has a Penal Code adapted to current times, it is appropriate to listen to the observations of the citizenry and the actors involved to ensure that the new legislation fully respects fundamental rights.

“If there is any element that is going to threaten freedom of expression, it must be corrected, because we are human and we can make mistakes,” he expressed.

The jurist highlighted the role of the media in that process, noting that it is their responsibility to denounce and substantiate any provision that may violate that constitutional right, always from the exercise of responsible journalism.

However, he specified that freedom of expression must also be exercised with responsibility, highlighting the importance of preserving the balance between the right to inform and respect for the legal order.

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The candidate offered the statements during the official announcement this weekend of his aspirations for the presidency of the CARD for the 2026-2029 period, and called on lawyers and the various political forces to support a proposal focused on unity and the institutional strengthening of the association.

Aristy reiterated that his project to lead the Bar Association seeks to unify the national legal profession and rescue the institutionality of the guild, which he defined as an entity going through a deep crisis that requires a process of transformation and moral improvement.