Merits trial begins against Ángel Martínez due to lawsuit by Faride Raful
The Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful, appeared this Thursday before the Second Criminal Chamber of the National District to begin the trial on the merits against communicator Ángel Martínez. The judicial process responds to a defamation and slander lawsuit filed by the official, who maintains that various statements disseminated by the defendant on digital platforms have seriously damaged her honor, reputation, and public image.
The formal indictment, supported by lawyer Miguel Valerio, points to the alleged violation of articles 21 and 22 of Law 53-07 on High-Tech Crimes and Offenses. In her capacity as a civil plaintiff, Minister Raful has requested compensation of RD$50 million as reparation for the damages caused, maintaining a firm stance regarding the demand for legal accountability for the published content.
Judicial process details
This trial reaches its oral and public phase following the decision of the Third Instruction Court of the National District, which last May issued an order to open the trial, considering that there is sufficient evidence to support the accusations. Currently, Martínez is serving coercive measures that include a financial guarantee of RD$500,000, periodic reporting to the authorities, and a travel ban.
The legal process brings to the table the necessary balance between the exercise of freedom of expression and respect for the right to honor, a constant debate in the environment of social networks and digital media.
Ángel Martínez’s background in the courts
The communicator has been involved in multiple legal proceedings for similar reasons. Their background includes:
- A six-month prison sentence and RD$10 million in compensation for a case filed by the former Vice Minister of Environment, Milagros De Camps Germán.
- A three-month suspended prison sentence and a payment of RD$2 million following a complaint filed by deputy Sergio “Gory” Moya.
- A pending legal process with political leader Roberto Fulcar, stemming from content broadcast through his YouTube channel.
As the trial unfolds, Ángel Martínez enjoys the presumption of innocence until a final sentence is handed down. For her part, Minister Faride Raful insists that the legal actions taken seek to set a precedent regarding the responsibility that comes with disseminating information in the digital public space.
