Dominican Republic's New Penal Code Triggers Protest Over Gag Provisions

Former president of the Dominican Bar Association, Miguel Surun Hernández, led a protest outside the National Congress, condemning sections of the upcoming penal code that he says would criminalize public denunciations of officials and curb freedom of expression. He warned that the provisions effectively create a “gag law,” violating constitutional guarantees and a prior Constitutional Court ruling, and announced formal complaints filed with both the legislature and international bodies.

The same penal code also introduces criminal penalties for the issuance or use of false medical certificates. Under the new articles, health professionals who provide fraudulent certificates could face one to two years in prison, fines, and possible suspension or revocation of their medical licenses. Courts may also impose asset seizures or close clinics involved in repeat offenses. The measures aim to curb the frequent abuse of medical documents to avoid court appearances, work obligations, or to obtain improper financial benefits.