Dominican Republic: Anti-corruption protest in Nagua August 6

Event

A large protest organized by the anti-corruption group Marcha Verde (Green March) is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 6, in Nagua, the capital of Maria Trinidad Sánchez province. The event is being held to denounce the violence employed by security forces during recent demonstrations held by the group and to demand justice for protesters killed and injured in the last two weeks.

Context

Marcha Verde has organized regular anti-corruption demonstrations across the country in the last several months, including the so-called Día Verde (green day) on February 22, a day of protests to demand punishment for individuals involved in corruption scandals. The movement is demanding an end to impunity and corruption and for the government recover money allocated for public works projects but stolen by government officials. They are also calling for the preservation of Los Haitises National Park, the Park of the East, the Higuamo River, the Mallen Lagoon, and other natural reserves.

Security forces have reportedly been increasingly using violent tactics against protesters. On August 1, leader of the FALPO activist group (Frente Amplio de Lucha Popular) Vladimir Baldera was allegedly shot and killed by security forces during a strike and anti-corruption protests in San Francisco de Macorís; a spokesperson for the National Police has denied the accusation. On July 24, activist Wasar Gómez was reportedly severely beaten by members of President Danilo Medina's security team in San José de Ocoa province. It is reported that Gómez was wearing green as a symbol of protest and was prevented from entering an event at which the president was speaking when the incident occurred.

The reported violent incidents involving security forces come at the same time as growing public outcry over revelations of more than a decade of allegedly corrupt government contracts and bribery linked with the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. Activist groups have held various marches and protests to call for a "truth commission" to investigate corruption cases.

Advice

Individuals in present in the Dominican Republic are advised to avoid all demonstrations and to obey any instructions issued by the local authorities.