Dominican Rep.: Anti-corruption march in Santo Domingo August 12 /update 1

Event

The anti-corruption organization Marcha Verde (Green March) is calling for a major protest march to take place in the capital Santo Domingo on Sunday, August 12. The group is calling the event the "March of the Million Against Corruption" and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate. As of July 30, Marcha Verde has not officially announced a start time or an exact location for the protest, although it is expected to begin in the morning. Heightened security measure and traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the capital during the demonstration. 

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 such a march in July 2017.

Advice

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