Tunisia's Parliament Examines Proposals to Tackle Crime and Substance Abuse
The General Legislation Commission at the People's Representatives Assembly (ARP) held a hearing on Monday with several legal experts to review two draft laws. The first proposal aims to revise certain provisions of the Penal Code, while the second seeks to amend Law No. 52 of 1992 on Narcotics.
In a statement to the radio, Deputy Fakhreddine Fadhloun, one of the initiators of the proposal to amend certain articles of the Penal Code, explained that this move comes in response to the "escalation of violence and armed robberies" in various regions, public spaces, transportation, and roads. He noted that these crimes have become increasingly dangerous, sometimes resulting in loss of human life.
Fadhloun clarified that the proposal primarily focuses on revising Articles 261, 262, and 264 of the Penal Code to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators of "armed robberies." He stated that the proposed sentences range from 12 to 20 years in prison, excluding the application of Article 53, which deals with mitigating circumstances for certain crimes.
A Comprehensive Approach
Fadhloun emphasized that a security and legislative approach remain "immediate solutions" to curb this phenomenon, while stressing the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses social, educational, and economic dimensions to tackle the root causes of violence and crime in the long term.
A National War on Drugs
Regarding the proposal to amend the Narcotics Law, the deputy highlighted that Tunisia is engaged in a "national war on drugs." He noted that the country is targeted by the introduction of significant quantities of illicit substances, including psychotropic tablets intended for young people and vulnerable populations.
Fadhloun called for stricter penalties related to consumption and trafficking, arguing that current sanctions are not dissuasive enough. However, he emphasized the importance of accompanying this repressive approach with social solutions and field studies to limit this phenomenon in the future.
