ZAGREB, Sept 29 (Hina) - Friday's debate in the House of Representatives on changes to the Penal Code was dominated by the question of how to treat the possession of small quantities of drugs - as a criminal act or as an offence? The
changes to the Penal Code suggest that the possession of small quantities of drugs be treated as an offence and not a criminal act. Assistant Justice Minister Ranko Marijan said the bill would lift the burden off the judiciary and there would be more time to deal with drug dealers rather than drug addicts. He also added the changes included increased penalties for drug dealers. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) bench supported the changes because they believed the processing of drug addicts would cost the state dearly whereas drug dealers often got off unpunished. The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) opposes the de-criminalisation of the possession of small quantities of
ZAGREB, Sept 29 (Hina) - Friday's debate in the House of
Representatives on changes to the Penal Code was dominated by the
question of how to treat the possession of small quantities of drugs
- as a criminal act or as an offence?
The changes to the Penal Code suggest that the possession of small
quantities of drugs be treated as an offence and not a criminal act.
Assistant Justice Minister Ranko Marijan said the bill would lift
the burden off the judiciary and there would be more time to deal
with drug dealers rather than drug addicts. He also added the
changes included increased penalties for drug dealers.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) bench supported the changes
because they believed the processing of drug addicts would cost the
state dearly whereas drug dealers often got off unpunished.
The Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) opposes the de-criminalisation
of the possession of small quantities of drugs because they believe
it will send a message to young people that risky behaviour is
tolerated. The party therefore seeks a referendum on this issue.
The Croatian Peasants' Party (HSS) believes the possession of drugs
should be treated as a criminal act but punishment should be
lessened.
The joint bench of the Croatian Party of Rights (HSP)/Croatian
Christian Democratic Union (HKDU) and the Democratic Centre (DC)
believe the bill is not finalised and should therefore be sent into
the third reading.
The problem of decriminalisation of drug addicts caused a much more
heated debate than other changes to the Penal Code, including the
one on more severe punishment of domestic violence.
(hina) jn rml