Defamation lawsuits surge in Dominican Republic as calls for stricter laws grow

Journalist and activist Lorenny Solano warned that the Dominican Republic is facing an emerging "industry of defamation," where digital platforms are used to extort, blackmail and damage reputations. She emphasized that defamation is a criminal offence under Law 6132 on Expression and Dissemination of Thought and advocated for harsher civil and criminal penalties.

Communicator and actress Hony Estrella confirmed she is filing a defamation suit against businessman Aquiles Jiménez, alleging a coordinated campaign to damage her public image. Her case underscores the broader concern among Dominican public figures that false statements spread online are being weaponised against individuals.

Both incidents illustrate growing domestic debate over the balance between freedom of expression and protection against reputational harm, and they signal calls for updated legal mechanisms to address online defamation in the country.