Dominican Republic Police face scrutiny over fatal encounters

Dominican Republic National Police extrajudicial killings Ernesto Rodríguez García police accountability Santo Domingo

The Dominican Republic National Police is facing intense scrutiny following reports of numerous deaths during operations described by authorities as “shootouts.” Investigative reports from Diario Libre identified 98 individuals killed in such incidents between September 1 and October 25, with the majority occurring in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Families of the deceased have provided testimonies challenging official narratives, alleging instances of extrajudicial executions and unnecessary use of force.

In response to these criticisms, Police Director Major General Ernesto Rodríguez García defended the institution’s actions. He stated that the police mission is to ensure citizen security and protect life, rather than to “remove from the way” those who break the law. He also highlighted the risks faced by officers during their duties.

In a separate incident, General Jacobo Mateo Moquete, the National Police Director of Sports, was involved in a multi-vehicle traffic accident in Nagua caused by low visibility from rice field smoke. Major General Rodríguez García visited the general, who is recovering from muscular distension but sustained no life-threatening injuries.

Entities

Carlos Daniel Alcequiez Rodríguez · Dominican Republic · Ernesto Rodríguez García · Jacobo Mateo Moquete · Luis Abinader · Nagua · National Police of the Dominican Republic

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Police reports historically use the term ‘intercambio de disparos’ (exchange of gunfire) to describe fatal encounters with suspects. azuanoticias.com · ensegundos.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Cándido Mercedes of Participación Ciudadana has questioned the frequency and justification of these fatal incidents. ensegundos.do
[● 3 SOURCES] Aneury Santiago Cabrera Estévez, alias ‘Lucifer’, died during a police operation. azuanoticias.com · ensegundos.do
[○ 1 SOURCE] Security camera footage has raised doubts about the circumstances of the operation involving Cabrera Estévez in the La Paz district. ensegundos.do
[● 3 SOURCES] Human rights organizations have documented allegations of possible extrajudicial executions. azuanoticias.com · ensegundos.do
[● 3 SOURCES] N Investiga conducted a journalistic investigation into deaths during police operations in the Dominican Republic. azuanoticias.com · ensegundos.do