Santo Domingo.– A few hours before the deadline to submit observations on the new Penal Code, representatives of the Bar Association of the Dominican Republic (CARD), the Primero Justicia Foundation, and the Dominican College of Journalists (CDP) went to the National Congress to deposit proposals with which they seek to modify various articles of the legislation before it enters into force.
In that sense, the president of the CARD, Trajano Potentini, proposed eliminating the privileged jurisdiction for public officials in cases of defamation and slander, reducing the maximum sentences from 60 to 30 years, or up to 40 years in cases of cumulative sentences, and reviewing the cascading liability for natural and legal persons.
In addition, he proposed an extension of up to six months for the entry into force of the Code, in order to harmonize several articles with the Constitution, international treaties, and the decisions of the Constitutional Court.
We recommend reading: Christians reject reopening the debate on the three grounds in the Penal Code
For his part, Surun Hernández, president of the Primero Justicia Foundation, stated that the new Penal Code puts freedom of expression and information at risk.
Likewise, he criticized provisions that, according to him, decriminalize sexual exhibitionism for artistic and cultural purposes and leave out sanctions for certain behaviors of harassment or mockery on social networks.
More Read
Meanwhile, the Dominican College of Journalists supported the call to review the provisions that could affect journalistic practice and freedom of expression.
