Dominican Republic - September 2025

On 3 August, President Luis Abinader signed a new penal code set to take effect in August 2026, marking a major reform of the Dominican Republic’s justice system. Replacing legislation from 1884, the updated code addresses previously unregulated crimes, including femicide, cyberbullying, corruption and enforced disappearances. It increases maximum sentences from 30 to 40 years for individual crimes, including terrorism and sexual violence, and allows cumulative sentences of up to 60 years for multiple serious offenses. The code also introduces corporate criminal liability, holding companies accountable for crimes committed in their name. Additionally, it extends statutes of limitations for sexual offenses to 20 years for adults and 30 years for minors, ensuring greater access to justice for victims. Despite these advances, the code has faced criticism for upholding a total abortion ban, even in cases of rape, incest or life-threatening pregnancies, and for omitting explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sources: Presidencia de la Republica Dominicana, Amnesty International, Latin America Reports, Ley 74-25 Orgánica que instituye el Código Penal de la República Dominicana