Dominican Republic Penal Code Review Commission Faces Legal Challenge

Criminal lawyer Miguel Valerio denounced the executive‑appointed commission created to monitor and revise the new Dominican Penal Code, arguing it violates the country's legal framework that assigns criminal policy formulation to the Ministry of Justice (Law No. 80‑25, article 9). Valerio urged the president to repeal the decree establishing the commission, stating “Yo no creo en nada de comisiones designadas por el Poder Ejecutivo…”. The commission’s members include former Constitutional Court president Milton Ray Guevara, several legal professionals and journalists.

Legal analysts also warn that Law 44‑26, which amends 27 articles of the new Penal Code, contains constitutional gaps that clash with the Dominican Constitution and international human‑rights standards. Issues cited include disproportionate penalties for digital defamation, vague provisions that could curb free expression, and conflicts with the principle of proportionality. They call on Congress to correct these flaws before the code takes effect.