# Violence against activists in Dominican Republic and Cuba

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/violence-against-activists-in-dominican-republic-and-cuba
> Updated: 2026-08-19T20:07:12.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 2.

In mid-August 2026, authorities in the Dominican Republic and Cuba launched investigations into the violent deaths of prominent figures. In the Dominican Republic, community leader and political activist José Frank Valerio was shot and killed by two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle while at a transport stop in Los Alcarrizos. Regarding the homicide of Valerio, the Dominican National Police arrested three suspects: Saulo Keli Núñez (known as ‘Pelota’), Wander Javier Piña del Pozo, and Eddy Manuel Arias Recio (known as ‘Tata’ or ‘Capullo’). Investigators believe the group operated as a structured unit. Preliminary findings suggest Núñez located the victim and alerted the others, while Arias Recio reportedly drove the motorcycle used in the attack.

The investigation has evolved following allegations from 19-year-old suspect José Enrique Corniel Jerez, known as ‘Iker El Rabioso’. In a social media video, Corniel Jerez claimed that a local councilman, identified as Luis Antonio (alias ‘Leñita’), allegedly paid RD$50,000 to orchestrate the killing. Authorities have since detained five individuals in connection with the case, including Corniel Jerez and Dany Hernández Sofilla. The National Police and the Public Ministry are working to verify these claims regarding the payment and the motive behind the attack.

Simultaneously, in Havana, Cuba, dissident and activist Diosbel Véliz Marín, a member of the Movement Opponents for a New Republic (MONR), was found dead with stab wounds in the Altahabana district. While some suggest robbery as a possible motive, activists are calling for a transparent investigation into his death.

## Claims

- The National Police arrested three men allegedly linked to the shooting death of community leader José Frank Valerio. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The arrested individuals are Saulo Keli Núñez (22), Wander Javier Piña del Pozo (27), and Eddy Manuel Arias Recio. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Three suspects, José Enrique Corniel Jerez, Fraudi Antonio Rosario Castillo, and Daivy Red, remain at large. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Five 9mm shell casings were recovered at the crime scene. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Authorities are investigating a suspected payment of RD$50,000 for the execution of the homicide. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Dominican Police arrest three suspects in community leader's murder

Dominican police arrested three men linked to the shooting death of community leader José Frank Valerio in Los Alcarrizos, amid investigations into a possible RD$50,000 payment for the crime.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-police-arrest-three-suspects-in-community-leaders-murder

### 2026-08-15: Authorities investigate fatal attacks on community leader and activist

Authorities are investigating the fatal shootings of community leader José Frank Valerio in the Dominican Republic and dissident activist Diosbel Véliz Marín in Cuba, alongside various regional crimes.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santo-domingo-delivery-driver-killed-in-alleged-robbery

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Cite as: Violence against activists in Dominican Republic and Cuba. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/violence-against-activists-in-dominican-republic-and-cuba