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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report contains no reply to previous comments. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

In previous comments, the Committee noted that detention or imprisonment could be imposed for infringements of certain provisions of the Penal Code (sections 71(4), 110, 111, 176 and 177) respecting the exercise of the right of expression. Penalties of detention or imprisonment applicable in the event of infringements of such provisions involve the obligation to work, under the terms of sections 14 and 28 of the Penal Code.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that a new Penal Code has been adopted. The Committee hopes that the new text will bring the national legislation into conformity with the Convention and that the Government will provide a copy of it with its next report. The Committee also requests the Government to provide copies of any legislation respecting prison work.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.