Santo Domingo.– Political leader Elías Hasboun stated that the Dominican Republic needs an updated Penal Code that strengthens the justice system, protects victims, and responds to new social realities. However, he proposed that the penalties provided for defamation and slander offenses should be reviewed to ensure they are proportional.
During an interview on the program El Cafecito con Solimán, Hasboun maintained that freedom of expression is a fundamental right, but warned that it cannot be used as an argument to justify the dissemination of false information or accusations that affect the honor and reputation of individuals.
“Freedom of expression constitutes one of the pillars of every democracy and must be preserved, but it can never become a shield to lie, defame, insult, or fabricate false accusations that destroy the life, family, work, and dignity of a human being”, he expressed.
The leader stated his support for the reform of the Penal Code to include sanctions for those who use media outlets, digital platforms, or other channels to disseminate false information with the purpose of harming third parties. However, he clarified that this support does not imply that all provisions should remain without modifications.
In that sense, he proposed that the National Congress review the proportionality of the penalties established for those crimes, considering that some are more severe than those provided for more serious acts.
“We cannot lose sight of the principle of proportionality. There are penalties for these crimes that even exceed those contemplated for involuntary manslaughter. That aspect deserves to be reviewed with objectivity, because the law must be firm, but also fair and balanced”, he stated.
Hasboun also highlighted that the reform incorporates important advances that, in his view, have been relegated in the public debate. Among them, he mentioned the updating of criminal figures, the strengthening of victim protection, the criminalization of new illicit behaviors, and the toughening of sanctions for serious crimes.
Likewise, he maintained that the discussion should not focus solely on the articles related to defamation, but rather evaluate the bill in a comprehensive manner. “The Dominican people deserve a modern, balanced Penal Code capable of protecting both public liberties and the right to honor, privacy, and the dignity of every citizen,” he indicated.
More Read
Finally, he urged the political, social, legal, and communication sectors to continue the dialogue to refine the initiative without losing sight of the progress that, in his view, it represents for the justice system.
“Good laws are those that manage to balance rights, establish responsibilities, and strengthen citizens’ trust in justice. That must be the true objective of this reform”, he concluded.
