Dominican Senate President Ricardo de los Santos pushes Penal Code overhaul

Senate President Ricardo de los Santos submitted a legislative initiative to amend the Dominican Republic’s Penal Code before the new law takes effect. The proposal targets 18‑19 articles, aiming to reduce penalties for offenses such as defamation—cutting maximum imprisonment from five years to a range of one to two years—and to narrow the scope of the “ultraje” (insult) crime so it no longer protects all government officials, limiting it to judges, prosecutors and court secretaries.

The reforms also revise definitions of cyber‑bullying, harassment, and the unauthorized distribution of private images, introduce a public‑interest exception for reporting on corruption, and adjust sanctions for harassment, exhibitionism, and other offenses. The bill has been deposited with the Legislative Secretariat and will be reviewed by a bicameral commission, incorporating input from jurists, media representatives, civil‑society groups and the public.

If approved, the changes would strengthen protections for freedom of expression and the press while maintaining safeguards for personal dignity and minors.