Deputies of the Legislative Chamber reviewed several legislative initiatives, including the adoption of norms against sexual harassment in the workplace, strengthening fines for expired food, and changing criminal case procedures.
Changes in Criminal Procedure
Deputies discussed a draft law that provides for amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Law 'On Advocacy'. According to the proposal, it is now possible to submit not only an indictment or an accusation to a criminal case, but also the opinion of the defense attorney.
It is also planned to grant the defense attorney the right to present their 'opinion' within five days after the completion of the preliminary investigation or interrogation. This document may reflect objections to the accusation, evidence, circumstances mitigating punishment, as well as requests to summon certain persons to court.
Consumer Protection
The Council also considered a bill aimed at protecting consumer rights. It proposes to amend Article 178 of the Code of Administrative Liability. The goal is to increase fines for selling food products with an expired shelf life, as well as for marketing goods that require indication of the date of manufacture and shelf life without providing such information.
New Norms in the Labor Code
In addition, deputies are studying a bill concerning amendments to the Labor Code. This project aims to implement the norms of International Labour Organization Convention No. 111 into national legislation.
According to this project, the list of signs of discrimination in labor and employment will be expanded to include the concepts of 'skin color' and 'political views'. Furthermore, it is proposed to introduce a new norm into the Labor Code prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace.



