Dominican Republic reports 104 deaths in alleged police shootouts

Between September 9 and October 29, 104 people died in the Dominican Republic during incidents reported as exchanges of gunfire. Official statistics indicate that in September, 55 deaths occurred during these encounters, accounting for 44 percent of the 125 homicides recorded that month.

The high death toll has prompted calls for accountability from human rights organizations and legal experts. The Dominican Institute of Criminal Law has requested independent investigations into each case, while the Foundation for Institutionality and Justice (Finjus) warned that combating crime does not justify extrajudicial executions.

Ombudsman Pablo Ulloa questioned whether the loss of life is being used as a substitute for judicial sentencing. In response, Minister of Interior and Police Faride Raful stated that these shootouts do not constitute state policy and that agent actions must be reviewed by internal bodies. Authorities maintain that officers are responding to aggression during various operations.