Dominican Republic implements new Penal Code with stricter defamation laws

The Dominican Republic has implemented a new Penal Code that significantly increases sanctions for defamation, specifically targeting content published on social media, digital platforms, and streaming services. Under the new law, individuals may face two to five years of imprisonment and fines ranging from nine to fifteen minimum wages. If defamation is committed by two or more people acting in coordination, penalties can rise to 10 years in prison and fines of 20 to 30 minimum wages.

The legislation also introduces the concept of ‘extortive defamation’ and holds digital media outlets and web portals criminally liable if defamation occurs under their name or due to a lack of editorial supervision.

While the law is now in effect, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of a national educational campaign to inform the citizenry about these significant legal changes, which affect individuals, journalists, and organizations alike.