Wander Franco case: Prosecutors appeal judicial pardon

The Dominican Republic's Public Ministry has announced it is prepared to appeal a judicial decision regarding Wander Samuel Franco Aybar. Although a collegiate court in Puerto Plata found Franco criminally responsible for the sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, the court granted a judicial pardon that exempts him from serving a criminal sentence.

Prosecutor Claudio Alberto Cordero Jiménez stated that the prosecution will argue the sentence constitutes an incorrect application of the law and is incompatible with the proven gravity of the crimes. The appeal hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, before the Court of Appeals of the Judicial Department of Puerto Plata.