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Supreme Court of Justice judges decline CNM evaluation
Eleven judges of the Dominican Republic's Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) submitted their performance reports for the April-July 2026 period to the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) on August 5. Among those submitting reports, four judges—including SCJ President Luis Henry Molina Peña, Manuel Ramón Herrera Carbuccia, Nancy Idelsa Salcedo Fernández, and María Gerinelda Garabito Ramírez—declined to undergo the evaluation required to remain in their positions.
The decision has sparked significant debate regarding judicial independence and institutional trust. The Red de Observadores por la Institucionalidad (ROI) expressed concern that the withdrawal of high-ranking judges might signal a need to strengthen the conditions of the evaluation mechanism. Meanwhile, public opinion is divided; an N Digital poll indicated that 49% of respondents believe the judges are avoiding evaluation, while 40% attribute the move to political pressure.
Minister of Justice Antoliano Peralta noted that some judges cited family reasons for their decision. The CNM, which is responsible for the evaluation and appointment process, is now tasked with managing the remaining seven judges in the process and filling the upcoming vacancies in the high court.
Entities
Consejo Dominicano de Unidad Evangélica · Consejo Nacional de la Magistratura · Dominican Republic · Feliciano Lacen · Luis Abinader · Luis Henry Molina Peña · Red de Observadores por la Institucionalidad · Suprema Corte de Justicia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An N Digital poll showed 49% of readers believe the resignations are due to a desire to avoid being evaluated. n.com.do
- [● 6 SOURCES] Luis Henry Molina Peña, President of the SCJ, is among the judges who declined the evaluation. noticialibre.com · barrigaverde.net · precision.com.do · n.com.do · elnuevodiario.com.do
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Red de Observadores por la Institucionalidad (ROI) expressed concern regarding the judges' decision not to undergo evaluation. deultimominuto.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Minister of Justice Antoliano Peralta stated some judges were motivated by family reasons. n.com.do
- [● 7 SOURCES] Four Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) judges declined to undergo the CNM evaluation process. noticialibre.com · barrigaverde.net · precision.com.do · deultimominuto.net · n.com.do · +1 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) is responsible for evaluating and appointing Supreme Court judges. noticialibre.com · barrigaverde.net · www.paginaextra.com · precision.com.do · elpregonerord.com · +4 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The judges submitted their performance reports for the April-July 2026 period on August 5. noticialibre.com · barrigaverde.net
- [● 4 SOURCES] Seven SCJ judges remain in the evaluation process. noticialibre.com · barrigaverde.net · precision.com.do · almomento.net