Divided reactions in the Chamber of Deputies following President Abinader’s warning regarding the Julián Oro Duro case
President Luis Abinader’s recent call to those responsible for the armed attack against merengue artist Julián Oro Duro and his wife, Zeneida Socorro Castillo, has sparked an intense debate in the National Congress. Following the tragic event that occurred in East Santo Domingo, which resulted in the death of Castillo and injuries to the artist, the president urged the perpetrators to turn themselves in to the authorities, warning that if they do not, the consequences would be more severe.
Opposition voices question the approach
From the ranks of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), congressmen have described the head of state’s statements as a populist response to citizen insecurity. Deputy Gustavo Sánchez suggested that these types of pronouncements could be the result of a feeling of helplessness in the face of crime, but emphasized that government action must strictly adhere to the current legal framework.
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.
Gustavo Sánchez, PLD deputyAlong the same lines, legislator Danilo Díaz stressed that the presidential office demands greater prudence and absolute respect for the Constitution, arguing that justice must prevail through institutional mechanisms to bring those responsible to court.
Defense from the ruling party
On the other hand, representatives of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) supported the president’s stance, arguing that the State has an obligation to guarantee security against dangerous individuals. Deputy Luis Báez defended the firmness of the message, noting that law enforcement forces must act with determination when facing armed criminals.
If they are throwing bullets back, you cannot throw flowers at them.
Luis Báez, PRM DeputyDeputy Ramón Bueno joined this support, describing Abinader’s intervention as an act of responsibility in the face of the collective concern that this case has aroused in Dominican society.
Event context
The attack, which has shocked public opinion, took place at the couple’s residence located in Brisa Oriental VI. While investigations are underway to find those responsible, the merengue artist Julián Oro Duro remains under medical care after receiving gunshot wounds in the incident where his wife, 60-year-old Zeneida Socorro Castillo, unfortunately lost her life.
