Dominican Republic officials face calls for investigations into deaths

Former Attorney General Francisco Domínguez Brito has called on President Luis Abinader to launch an independent investigation into deaths occurring during police operations. Domínguez Brito expressed concern that some incidents reported as shootouts with police may actually involve the selective elimination of individuals linked to drug micro-trafficking to facilitate territorial control by criminal groups.

Data indicates that in September, 55 men died in alleged shootouts with police, accounting for 44% of the 125 homicides recorded that month. Domínguez Brito proposed forming a special commission of high-level prosecutors and an external commission of truth to ensure transparency.

Separately, the National Human Rights Network (Dignared) is demanding an investigation into neonatal deaths at the Francisco Antonio Gonzalvo Maternal and Child Hospital in La Romana. The organization highlighted recent infant deaths and reported allegations from an anesthesiologist regarding surgical block failures, potential contamination, and inadequate pediatric anesthesia equipment. Dignared noted that over 1,500 neonatal deaths have been recorded in the country during 2026.