Dominican Republic: Protest in Santo Domingo May 16

Event

Police have reinforced security measures outside the headquarters of the Supreme Court and the Attorney General in the capital city of Santo Domingo ahead of an anti-corruption protest set to take place in the vicinity on Tuesday, May 16. The protests are being organized by the FALPO activist group (Frente Amplio de Lucha Popular) and are expected to coincide with the announcement of individuals who allegedly received bribes as part of the Odebrecht scandal. Court officials may also issue arrest warrants for those suspected of taking the bribes. Metal barriers have been erected and anti-riot police deployed to the area. Clashes are possible between protesters and police, who fired tear gas to disperse a similar demonstration held in the city last Friday.

Context

Recent investigations into Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company, have uncovered a widespread network of corruption scandals with implications for countries across Latin America.

Advice

Individuals present in the Dominican Republic are advised to avoid the above areas on Tuesday, as well as all demonstrations more generally, and to obey any instructions issued by the local authorities.