Deputy Carlos de Pérez criticizes President Abinader’s statements regarding police confrontations
Legislator Carlos de Pérez described as unfortunate the recent statements by President Luis Abinader, who urged those responsible for the attack on merengue artist Julián Oro Duro and his wife to turn themselves in to the authorities, warning that otherwise, things would go worse for them.
For the deputy, these types of messages sent by the head of state do not align with the principles of a democratic country. De Pérez emphasized that the response to criminality must remain strictly within the legal framework, prioritizing apprehension and due judicial process over any other action.
When I saw the President of the Republic recommend “surrender, or it will go worse for you,” those statements seemed very unfortunate to me for a leader elected in a democracy and in a democratic country.
Carlos de Pérez, Deputy
Stance on due process
The congressman recalled that the death penalty does not exist in the Dominican Republic and warned about the danger of normalizing so-called shootouts. According to his analysis, when a police officer executes an alleged criminal, they assume functions that do not belong to them, acting as prosecutor, judge, and executioner at the same time.
- The legislator advocates for the strengthening of legal processes instead of vigilantism.
- He pointed out that extrajudicial executions put citizens who have no connection to criminal acts at unnecessary risk.
- He reiterated that the work of the National Police must be limited to capturing suspects and placing them at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Questioning the Public Prosecutor’s Office
In addition to his criticisms of the Executive Branch, De Pérez questioned the effectiveness of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, pointing out that there are recurring deficiencies in the preparation of accusatory files. The deputy maintains that, in order to combat crime effectively, it is essential that the prosecutor’s office presents solid cases that guarantee convictions in court.
These reactions arise following the tragic event in which Zeneida Socorro Castillo, wife of the artist Julián Oro Duro, who was also wounded during the attack, lost her life. Given this situation, President Abinader reiterated in New York his commitment to public safety and sent his condolences to the victim’s family, maintaining his stance of urging those responsible to turn themselves in to justice.
