Dominican Republic criticized for defamation law changes and police abuse claims

Communicator Iluminada Muñoz said recent amendments to the Dominican Republic's penal code on defamation and injurious speech benefitted groups that profit from extortion‑based defamation, describing the outcome as a “business” that won over efforts to increase penalties. She noted that opposition to stricter sanctions allowed the so‑called “gag law” to prevail, limiting space for victims to raise concerns.

Communicator Moisés Ruiz reported alleged police misconduct, citing video evidence of a young man in San José de Ocoa who was allegedly beaten and subjected to harsh interrogation after a robbery. Ruiz also linked the case to the death of another detainee, Miguel Antonio Lucas Valenzuela, who reportedly suffered severe injuries while held at a police station in San Cristóbal. Both commentators called for transparent investigations and reforms, urging President Luis Abinader to address the alleged human‑rights violations.