President Abinader enacts new Penal Code

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader signed into law the Dominican Republic’s new Penal Code on Sunday, replacing the country’s outdated 1884 legislation after decades of failed reform efforts. Approved by the country’s major political parties, the new code introduces comprehensive changes aimed at enhancing justice, strengthening citizen security, and protecting fundamental rights.

Key advances include the classification of modern crimes such as femicide, contract killings, cyberbullying, economic abuse, deepfake blackmail, pyramid schemes, and unregulated financial activities. It also criminalizes enforced disappearance, genocide, self-kidnapping, false accusations, and obstructing justice. Notably, the law increases penalties for rape within marriage or romantic relationships and introduces prison terms of up to 60 years for severe offenses.

The new code also incorporates modern judicial tools, such as post-sentence supervision, a sexual offender registry, and re-education programs to support offender reintegration. It holds legal entities accountable for crimes committed through negligence or the actions of their representatives, and enforces stricter protective measures for victims of gender and domestic violence. Statutes of limitations for sexual crimes against minors are extended to 30 years from the age of majority.

Set to take effect in 12 months, the law also strengthens anti-corruption efforts by increasing penalties and barring offenders from holding public office.