Dominican Rep.: Anti-corruption march in Santo Domingo Aug. 12 /update 2

Event

The anti-corruption group Marcha Verde (Green March) is holding a major protest in the capital Santo Domingo on Sunday, August 12. The group is calling the event the "March of the Million against Corruption" and large participation rates are expected. Demonstrators will gather beginning at around 09:00 (local time) at the corner of Tiradentes and 27 de Febrero before marching to Centro de los Héroes via Avenida Simon Bolívar and Avenida Jiménez Moya.

Heightened security measure and traffic disruptions are to be anticipated along the march route. Some low-intensity violence is possible.

Context

There has been growing public outcry over revelations of more than a decade of corrupt government contracts and bribery linked with the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. Regular anti-corruption events have been held by Marcha Verde across the country over the past year to demand an end to impunity and widespread government corruption. Over 150,000 people attended a related a march in July 2017.

Advice

Individuals in present Santo Domingo are advised to avoid the above areas as a precaution.