Santo Domingo community groups reject government crime policies

Community organizations and human rights representatives in Santo Domingo have criticized the Dominican government's current approach to combating crime and violence. In a press conference held alongside the Dominican Institute for Integral Development (Iddi), activists rejected the use of lethal force against young people as a solution to insecurity.

Representatives argued that the government must implement comprehensive, sustainable plans that provide youth with training, education, and economic opportunities to reduce vulnerability to criminal activity. They emphasized that law enforcement must respect due process and that all legal violations should be handled through the justice system rather than through violence. The groups suggested that participatory community models, such as those previously seen in Capotillo, should be strengthened and adapted to other neighborhoods to ensure long-term safety and social development.