Dominican Republic influencer “La Tora” sentenced to one year in prison for online defamation

In June 2026 a Dominican court sentenced Claudia Pérez Ramírez, known as “La Tora”, to one year of imprisonment and a five‑million‑peso fine for defamation and injury committed through electronic media against Modern Revolution Party deputy Sergio Moya. The judgment, handed down by the Octava Sala Penal of the Distrito Nacional, applied articles 21 and 22 of Law 53‑07, which criminalises online defamation, and upheld a civil claim by the legislator.

The case follows a series of high‑profile convictions under the same law, including a three‑month sentence for journalist Tamara Martínez for defaming actress Gabi Desangles and earlier actions against other influencers. Critics argue the rulings signal a tightening of limits on freedom of expression, while officials say they protect personal honour and privacy.

Law 53‑07, together with provisions of the Penal Code and the Constitution, has become central to the public debate over the balance between free speech and legal responsibility in the Dominican Republic.