Dominican lawmaker who served time for rape can return to Congress

Santo Domingo.- A senior lawmaker in Dominican Republic’s Chamber of Deputies revealed Thursday that his colleague from Santiago Rodríguez province, Ramón "Papo" Fernandez, who served a six-month sentence in Najayo prison for statutory rape, can rejoin Congress “when he deems convenient.”

Disciplinary Committee chairman Henry Mera said Fernandez served his sentence on March 6, after the Supreme Court found him guilty of seducing a minor in his province. "Deputy Fernandez complied with his conviction in a very responsible and dignified manner, and hence, was released. The legislator notified this Chamber of the address where he‘ll serve out the second stage of the conviction."

The lawmaker added that Fernandez, "can return when he deems convenient and appropriate."