Military ditches stockade for most misdemeanors

Military personnel will no longer be detained for failing to salute a superior officer or incorrect wearing of uniforms when the new Armed Forces Disciplinary Regulations Law comes into force.

The end of 30-day sentences for minor offenses- which constitute 95 percent of misdemeanors by military members- is the main innovation in the new legislation, which the government has committed to referring to parliament by June 1.

Under the new law, the guidelines of which EL PAÍS has had access to, most offenses will be punished by suspensions from duty and deductions from wages- up to 10 days' for minor misdemeanors and up to 30 days' for more serious offenses. The changes complete the Defense Ministry's Rights and Duties Law for Armed Forces members, which is still going through parliament.