Deputy Carlos Sánchez questions Human Rights stance on police operations
Deputy and member of the Permanent Commission on Interior and Police, Carlos Sánchez, described as an overreach the recent warning by Manuel María Mercedes, president of the National Commission for Human Rights (CNDH-RD), who announced that he will file a complaint against the Dominican State before international bodies for alleged extrajudicial executions in police operations.
Sánchez emphasized that, although any citizen or organization has the constitutional right to turn to the legal instances they consider appropriate, it is premature to take these cases to the international level. According to the legislator, the Public Prosecutor’s Office is the competent body to investigate and, to date, it has not determined that the deaths that occurred in confrontations with the police constitute illegal executions.
Debate on criminality and the authorities’ response
The congressman stressed that a person’s criminal record does not grant the police a license to take lives. However, he drew attention to a recurring pattern in recent events:
- The individuals killed in the so-called exchanges of gunfire have extensive criminal records.
- The coincidence in the profiles of those who died during police operations is a factor that, in the deputy’s opinion, must be considered in the analysis.
- The responsibility for determining irregularities lies exclusively with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
We are not saying that because a person has a very extensive criminal record that is going to authorize the Police to take their life. However, what we are saying is what a coincidence that everyone who has fallen in confrontations with the Police are recognized criminals.
Carlos Sánchez, deputy.
Citizen support for police actions
Sánchez defended the work carried out by the National Police against criminality, asserting that there is significant support from the Dominican population. The legislator relied on the perception reflected in digital platforms and media outlets, where, according to his analysis, the majority of the citizenry supports the authorities’ firmness in maintaining public order.
This position contrasts with the view of the CNDH-RD, which maintains that the fight against crime must always guarantee capture and due judicial process, avoiding suspects dying in the field. The controversy remains latent as the National Police continues with its agenda of operations in various areas of the country to reduce crime rates.
