The Congress of Deputies has given definitive green light to the reform of the Penal Code promoted by Junts to toughen the response against multi-reoffending. The initiative, unblocked by the PSOE as a nod to recover a certain harmony with Carles Puigdemont's party, received several modifications during its processing in the Senate which, this Thursday, the Lower House has maintained.
The proposal entails significant modifications to the Penal Code to harden sentences for repeat offenses in minor thefts and accelerate processes against repeat offenders and those who commit crimes continuously.
The rule stipulates that the theft of mobile phones or any other electronic device be an aggravating factor, establishing prison sentences of one to three years; and imposes six to 18 months in prison for those who accumulate three convictions for petty theft without the need for the accumulated amount of the infractions to exceed 400 euros. Likewise, the so-called petaqueo is criminalized, which consists of supplying gasoline to drug boats.
Raising the bar even higher
During the processing in the Senate, PP and Vox showed themselves inclined to further toughen the norm, especially regarding immigration. Along these lines, the popular party included changes arguing that "multi-offending cannot be effectively combated if the legal system allows people with criminal records to access or maintain residence permits."
Thus, those of Alberto Núñez Feijóo resorted to their absolute majority to incorporate into the text that residence permits require the absence of criminal records both in Spain and in previous countries of residence, as well as the non-existence of relevant criminal proceedings.
Similarly, they proposed denying residency to those who have been convicted as repeat offenders and establishes that the Administration may gather reports from the Security Forces and Bodies to assess possible threats to public order. Finally, they included that expulsion procedures are not suspended due to the application for residency permits.
Vox, with the approval of the PP, managed to incorporate an amendment related to international cooperation to facilitate that expelled repeat offenders serve their sentences in their countries of origin.
PP, PNV and Junts agreed on an 'in voce' amendment that establishes prison sentences of one to five years for the so-called 'petaqueo', linked to the supply of fuel to narco-boats.
Electrical fraud linked to drugs
PSOE and PP reached an agreement to incorporate an amendment that toughens the penalties for the use of electricity to power illegal drug crops, such as, marijuana.
A new section 3 is added to article 255 of the Penal Code in such a way that any fraud committed with the purpose of supplying electricity to facilities used for the cultivation of toxic drugs, narcotic substances, and psychotropic substances is punished with prison sentences of six to 18 months or a fine of 12 to 24, regardless of the amount defrauded.