The Chamber of Deputies adopted on Wednesday a bill to toughen penalties for the offenses of 'hitting or other acts of violence causing physical suffering'. Under the new provisions, prosecutors will be able to continue criminal proceedings even if the victim withdraws the complaint

The Chamber of Deputies has adopted the draft amendment to the legislation to combat violence, providing for tougher punishments for assault and other violent acts. It amends the Criminal Code and the Protection Order Act, giving authorities the tools they need to tackle violence. The penalty for assault increases from 3 months-2 years to 6 months-3 years, and offenses causing serious injury can be punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 5 years. Withdrawal of the complaint will require the prosecutor's consent.