ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - The introduction of life imprisonment instead of long-term jail and moving up statute of limitations deadlines are some novelties suggested in the final draft amendments to the Penal Code which the government
sent into parliament on Thursday.
ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - The introduction of life imprisonment
instead of long-term jail and moving up statute of limitations
deadlines are some novelties suggested in the final draft
amendments to the Penal Code which the government sent into
parliament on Thursday. #L#
Between two readings of the draft, the government abandoned its
motion of incrimination protecting the president's reputation.
Justice Minister Ingrid Anticevic-Marinovic brushed off criticism
by the public that the proposed law was draconian and increased
repression.
According to the amendments, a new criminal act would be introduced
in the Penal Code, i.e. crime against humanity. The code would also
have a provision on command responsibility and the notion of
commander would expand to civilian superiors.
Another new criminal act would be the glorification of former
fascist states and organisations, but also the promotion of racist
and xenophobic ideas. The crime envisages a fee or prison term of up
to a year, as well as the compulsory seizure of objects or materials
glorifying former fascist states or organisations.
Possession of small amounts of narcotics for personal use would
become a misdemeanour instead of an offence.
Significant changes are also envisaged in the area of white-collar
crime.
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