Algerian council examines bill amending Penal Code

The bill amending the Penal Code to strengthen the fight against violence on women has been examined Tuesday by the Council of Ministers, met under the chairmanship of President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Council said in statement.
"The bill provides for penalties against husbands guilty of violence on their spouses resulting in disablement, a permanent disability or an amputation," according to the source.
"The text also provides sanctions against desertion of spouses, pregnant or not. It also includes clauses against pressure and intimidation intended to deprive spouse of their properties."
It is however mentioned that "in all the aforementioned cases, the charges are dropped if the victim decides to forgive her spouse."
The bill provides for "sanctions" against perpetrators of sexual assaults against women.
"The sanctions may be worse if the defendant is the parent of the victim or the latter is minor, disabled or pregnant."
It also includes penalties against violence prejudicial to the dignity of women in public places.