The Senate passed a first reading with amendments to the Penal Code and this continues to be the center of attention. Feminist groups called for the three exceptions to the anti-abortion clauses in protests in front of the National Congress.
The new code proposal does not allow for the three exceptions (rape, incest, or a non-viable fetus). It does include stiffer penalties for certain types of homicides. The legislation ups the penalties for rape, including 20 years in prison if a minor is involved.
However, the reality is that the Senate approved a report from a special committee and is currently awaiting a second report to approve the code and send it to the Chamber of Deputies.
As currently worded, the new code would provide qualified immunity to the state, the National District and the city governments and churches.
The statute of limitations for corruption crimes is extended to 20 years, when in the old code corruption crimes do not expire.
These arguments will continue for the coming months as the final version of the legislation is worked out in the Congress.
Joel Santos had announced the government would submit a new Penal Code when Ramon Rogelio Genao went ahead and submitted a bill to the Congress that ends its working sessions on 26 July 2024 and resumes with reelected legislators and new legislators on 16 August 2024.
Read more:
Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Diario Libre
DR1 News
1 July 2024