SANTO DOMINGO – A prominent Dominican journalist has publicly denounced an incident during the nation’s Independence Day military parade as a severe case of sexual harassment, calling for immediate legal action against the perpetrators. Isis Álvarez characterized the event, which occurred during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Defense, as an act of ridicule that violated the solemnity of the occasion.
In a detailed appearance on the radio program ‘El Gobierno de la Tarde’ on Z101, Álvarez articulated that the annual military parade is a fundamental representation of national discipline, institutional integrity, and patriotic fervor. She asserted that such an environment demands utmost respect and that the offending behavior starkly contradicted these values.
Dismissing potential defenses of the incident as a trivial joke, Álvarez emphasized the profoundly offensive and degrading nature of the act for its victims and the public. She underscored that Dominican law provides clear legal grounds for prosecution, specifically citing Article 24-97 of the national Penal Code. This statute defines harassment as any conduct—whether a single event or repeated actions—that intimidates an individual and impairs their physical, emotional, or psychological well-being.
Conviction under this law carries stringent penalties, including imprisonment terms ranging from one to twelve years, monetary fines of up to six times the minimum wage, and additional court-mandated measures.
Consequently, Álvarez has issued a formal appeal to key national authorities—including the National Police, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ministry of Women—to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Her demands are centered on ensuring accountability for those responsible and reinforcing the imperative of dignity and equality in all public spaces and national events.