Dominican Republic implements new Penal Code

The new Dominican Penal Code introduces several legal provisions that impact public conduct and media operations. Under Article 142, sexual exhibitionism is defined as sexual acts or the exposure of genitals performed in view of others in a public or exposed place. Legal expert Juan Pablo Polo clarified that sexual activity within a vehicle does not automatically constitute an offense; the legality depends on whether the conduct is visible to third parties in a public space. Penalties for exhibitionism range from six months to one year in prison, with increased sentences of two to five years if the act occurs in front of minors or vulnerable individuals.

Simultaneously, the new code has raised concerns within the journalism sector. The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) and the Dominican College of Journalists (CDP) have filed an injunction against certain articles, arguing that the provisions could infringe upon press freedom. Media professionals, particularly photographers and videographers, are being advised to exercise extreme caution regarding image handling and context to avoid legal repercussions, especially when dealing with images of minors.