ROSEAU, DOMINICA – The Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy has issued an official statement countering what it describes as malicious social media speculation regarding the detention of American national Jonathan Scott Lehrer. The Ministry emphasized that while it typically refrains from addressing unfounded rumors, it felt compelled to correct misinformation being circulated by political opposition groups.
The Ministry confirmed that Lehrer is one of two U.S. citizens currently held on remand at Dominica State Prison. Contrary to suggestions of irregular proceedings, authorities detailed the established consular protocols that have been consistently followed since November 2024.
In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown formally requested and received permission for consular access to both detained nationals. The Ministry clarified that such consular assistance represents standard diplomatic practice when citizens are detained overseas, subject to the host nation’s procedures.
The request was processed through proper channels: received by the Foreign Ministry via diplomatic note, confirmed by the Ministry of National Security, and subsequently approved to the U.S. Embassy. The most recent virtual meeting occurred on January 14, 2026, with an in-person meeting scheduled for February 2026, pending final confirmation from security officials.
The Dominican government asserted its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and respect in handling all detainees. The statement strongly rejected characterizations that consular access negotiations represented any form of special arrangement with U.S. authorities, labeling such suggestions as deliberately misleading.
The Ministry concluded by urging the public to allow the judicial process to proceed without interference and refrain from making statements that could potentially prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.