Lower House endorses amendments to Penal Code

AMMAN — The Lower House on Tuesday endorsed amendments to the Penal Code.

Under the amendments, whoever commits the crime of piracy shall be subject to life imprisonment, but if the piracy acts led to a murder, death penalty shall be imposed.

Lawmakers approved an imprisonment term of no less than two years, with the penalty could reach temporary hard labour for crimes related to terrifying people/intimidation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Moreover, the amendments stiffen the punishment for vagrancy, as beggars shall face an imprisonment term of no less than three months, while those who exploit others in begging shall face a an imprisonment of no less than two years.

Regarding offences linked to drunken violence,  the perpetrator shall face an imprisonment term of no less than three months and a fine of no less than JD100, as per the approved amendments.

The draft law also punishes selling at excessive prices with an imprisonment term of no less than a month and no more than three years, with a fine of no less than JD200 and no more than JD500.

The Lower House also stiffened the penalty for staged car accidents to blackmail others to an imprisonment term of two years, with a fine of JD50.