A Dominican court has mandated psychiatric intervention and financial guarantees for a man who issued violent threats against President Luis Abinader in a widely circulated social media video. The Judicial District of El Seibo delivered the ruling on Wednesday following a preliminary hearing that prioritized the defendant’s mental health assessment.
Identified as Héctor Julio Mercedes Rodríguez, the individual was taken into custody last Friday after posting a video that allegedly showed him brandishing a high-caliber weapon while making explicit threats against the nation’s leader. The footage rapidly gained traction across digital platforms, prompting immediate law enforcement response.
The court’s disposition requires Mercedes Rodríguez to undergo a six-month psychiatric treatment program at Teófilo Hernández Provincial Hospital. Additionally, he must post bond amounting to RD$100,000 (approximately US$1,700) and remain under continuous family supervision throughout his therapeutic regimen.
Legal representative Alberto Mercedes Ruiz presented medical documentation indicating his client has battled a degenerative condition since 2022, resulting in significant anxiety and psychological disturbances. The defense successfully argued that these mitigating circumstances warranted rehabilitative measures rather than incarceration.
While the Public Prosecutor’s Office maintains an active investigation, the judicial outcome demonstrates an attempt to balance public safety concerns with appropriate mental health considerations. The accused currently remains at liberty under strict conditions requiring periodic medical evaluations and ongoing judicial monitoring as proceedings continue.