New draft penal code reduces sentences and introduces statute of limitations
The reduction of sentences for crimes against the state and the reclassification of minor crimes into either violations carrying fees or misdemeanors carrying a maximum of five years in jail, are some of the provisions of a new draft penal code presented on Friday by Justice Minister Michalis Kalogirou.
Kalogirou, who was accompanied in the presentation by two legal specialists from the preparatory committees, also presented a new trial code that changes some of the jurisdictions judges have and the processes related to trials.
The new draft code also establishes a maximum of 15 years in prison for felonies, abolishes the ban on civil rights like voting at national elections, and allows a perpetrator of financial crimes to avoid jail if he or she pays to restore the damage incurred.
In addition, the draft code also abolishes life sentences, the maximum sentence imposed on embezzlers of public money, who will instead be served a maximum of 15 years in jail. These cases also include people who falsify documents and practice breach of trust, damaging the state. The liability for crimes to the state will extend to a maximum of 20 years, after which they will be written off.
Justice Minister Kalogirou presented the two draft codes to public consultation for 21 days and called on all academics, bar associations, judges, political parties and related agencies to submit their proposals and comments within that time frame.
He said that the codes will be voted by parliament with the process used for codes – not per article, but as a single article each and in one parliamentary session. They will not go into immediate effect, but provision will be made for their adoption.
Source: ana-mpa
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