General Legislation Commission to Hold Hearing on Proposed Laws
The General Legislation Commission at the Assembly of Representatives of the People (ARP) will hold a hearing on Monday, starting at 2 PM, to discuss two proposed laws. The first law aims to amend certain articles of the Penal Code (articles 262, 263, and 264), while the second law seeks to amend Law No. 52 of May 18, 1992, on Narcotics.
The commission had previously heard from representatives of the Ministry of Justice on the proposed amendment to the Penal Code. The initiators of the proposal, which are members of parliament, emphasized that in light of the increasing number of thefts, particularly armed robberies, and the threat they pose to public safety, citizens' property, and their physical integrity in public spaces, public transportation, and public areas, many have called for tougher penalties.
They noted that this approach is part of a comprehensive national policy that encompasses cultural, media, educational, penal, and development aspects.
Regarding the proposed law to amend Law No. 52 on Narcotics, the General Legislation Commission had previously heard the opinions of the authors of the initiative, as well as representatives of the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists in Tunisia and the Tunisian Syndicate of Private Pharmacy Owners.
The proposed text consists of 40 articles. It provides for the abolition of several existing provisions (articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, and 18), the introduction of new provisions, and an increase in the value of financial sanctions.
The proposed law would, depending on the case, reduce, increase, or maintain the penalties for imprisonment as provided for by current legislation.
In the explanatory memorandum, the authors of the initiative emphasize the need to adopt legislative provisions aimed at protecting security and sovereign institutions, as well as their agents, from the risks associated with the consumption of narcotics, while providing for the most severe sanctions against traffickers.
They also pointed out that beyond the dangers associated with consumption, the trafficking of narcotics has become a transnational illicit activity that undermines the security and stability of states, fuels disorder and crime within societies, and threatens the integrity of institutions.
The proposed law provides for new offenses, including refusing to undergo biological sampling to detect the consumption of narcotics, substituting samples, and introducing narcotic substances into food products intended for consumption, with or without the knowledge of the consumer.
