PARLIAMENT has approved the first reading of a series of amendments to the Penal Code.
A proposal moved by National Movement Simeon II (NMSII) deputy parliamentary leader Miroslav Sevlievski says that anyone caught by the police with more than one gram of narcotics could face a prison sentence.
The current Penal Code does not give a definition for a "single dose of narcotic" and thus many drug dealers caught by the police pleaded that the substances found on them were for their personal use.
MPs also approved a text providing for up to six years imprisonment for illegal logging.
People who steal documents containing classified information will also face six years' jail.
Administrative personnel providing unauthorised access to classified information or enabling its dissemination will face three years in prison or community service.
Parliament also accepted a proposal tabled by the Government, according to which property used for money laundering will be confiscated.
A proposal by NMSII MP Nonka Matova, for a fine of 50 000 leva or three years in prison for illegal treasure-hunting, damaging archaeological sites and artifacts, was also accepted.
The amendments to the Penal Code also define as a felony the theft of communication or electricity cables.
A proposal by NMSII MP Borislav Ralchev for penalties for employers who hire people under the age of 18 to do work which could harm their health or morals was also approved. Offenders will be fined between 500 and 1000 leva or be jailed.
A police officer or other official who causes physical or mental pain to a person in order to obtain information could face between five and 15 years in prison, in terms of the amendments.
A proposal moved by National Movement Simeon II (NMSII) deputy parliamentary leader Miroslav Sevlievski says that anyone caught by the police with more than one gram of narcotics could face a prison sentence.
The current Penal Code does not give a definition for a "single dose of narcotic" and thus many drug dealers caught by the police pleaded that the substances found on them were for their personal use.
MPs also approved a text providing for up to six years imprisonment for illegal logging.
People who steal documents containing classified information will also face six years' jail.
Administrative personnel providing unauthorised access to classified information or enabling its dissemination will face three years in prison or community service.
Parliament also accepted a proposal tabled by the Government, according to which property used for money laundering will be confiscated.
A proposal by NMSII MP Nonka Matova, for a fine of 50 000 leva or three years in prison for illegal treasure-hunting, damaging archaeological sites and artifacts, was also accepted.
The amendments to the Penal Code also define as a felony the theft of communication or electricity cables.
A proposal by NMSII MP Borislav Ralchev for penalties for employers who hire people under the age of 18 to do work which could harm their health or morals was also approved. Offenders will be fined between 500 and 1000 leva or be jailed.
A police officer or other official who causes physical or mental pain to a person in order to obtain information could face between five and 15 years in prison, in terms of the amendments.
