Divided reactions following Abinader’s warning about crime

Divided reactions in Congress following President Abinader’s warning regarding the Julián Oro Duro case

The statements by President Luis Abinader regarding the violent attack suffered by merengue artist Julián Oro Duro and his wife, Zeneida Socorro Castillo, have sparked an intense debate in the Dominican political sphere. The president, during his recent visit to New York, urged those responsible for the incident to turn themselves in to the authorities, with the warning that otherwise, the consequences would be more severe.

The incident, which resulted in Castillo’s death and left the artist under medical care, has brought the Government’s citizen security strategy and the limits of the official discourse on crime to the table.

Opposition voices question the presidential approach

Legislators from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) have described the head of state’s stance as a populist measure. Deputy Gustavo Sánchez pointed out that these types of statements could be the result of a feeling of helplessness in the face of the increase in criminal acts in the country.

In a rule of law, under no circumstances is the death penalty instituted in the Constitution. They should simply go through the corresponding channels to arrest him and send him to justice.

Along the same lines, Congressman Danilo Díaz stressed that the president must maintain institutional prudence, recalling that his role requires strict respect for the Magna Carta and the judicial procedures established to prosecute those who break the law.

Support from the ruling party

On the other hand, representatives of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) have come out in defense of the firmness shown by the president. Deputy Luis Báez emphasized that the authorities have a duty to safeguard the citizenry and that, in the face of armed individuals who challenge law enforcement officers, the response must be proportional.

• If they are firing bullets back, you cannot throw flowers at them, Báez stated when referring to the need to confront crime.
• Legislator Ramón Bueno backed Abinader, asserting that his actions respond responsibly to the growing wave of violence that worries Dominican society.

The president’s call continues to be a subject of analysis, while authorities keep investigations active to clarify the attack that occurred in the Brisa Oriental VI sector, which has shocked the artistic community and the general population.