Dominican Senate approves new Penal Code

Santo Domingo.- After prolonged debate and political deadlock, the Dominican Senate approved the long-awaited reform of the Penal Code in a second reading during an extraordinary session. The bill excludes the controversial “three causes” exceptions for abortion and will now be sent to the Chamber of Deputies, which must review and pass it before the legislative session ends on July 26.

The new Penal Code introduces a wide range of criminal classifications, including genocide, femicide, murder for hire, digital crimes, terrorism, torture, and administrative corruption. It also sets a maximum prison sentence of up to 60 years for individuals convicted of multiple crimes.

The reform aims to modernize the Dominican Republic’s criminal justice system by enhancing penalties for serious offenses, improving victim protection, and ensuring a more effective and equitable legal process. Key updates include stricter penalties for crimes against minors, domestic violence, and sexual offenses, as well as harsher sentences for public officials found guilty of torture or abuse of power.

Notable articles include:

• Article 107: Crimes against minors carry 20–30 years in prison and fines up to 40 times the minimum wage.

• Article 113: Negligent actions causing multiple deaths result in 10–20 years in prison.

• Article 121: Public officials committing acts of torture face 20–30 years of imprisonment.

• Article 139: Incestuous rape carries 20–30 years in prison; if the victim is a child or suffers grave harm, the penalty increases to 30–40 years and significant fines.