标签： Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO – The legal defense team for Santiago Hazim, former director of the National Health Insurance (Senasa), has formally challenged the 18-month pretrial detention order issued against him, asserting fundamental violations of his constitutional rights.

Attorney Miguel Valerio confirmed Tuesday that an appeal was submitted to the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeals of the National District. The defense contends that Judge Rigoberto Sena’s ruling improperly relied on subjective moral and ethical assessments rather than established legal principles. Valerio characterized the decision as lacking appropriate legal justification, noting the inclusion of extraneous biblical and literary references that bear no connection to the legal purpose of coercive measures.

The appeal argues that judicial references to alleged greed and moral disloyalty constitute improper grounds for detention that remain disconnected from the evidentiary requirements of the case. Additionally, the defense maintains that the detention order violates Hazim’s right to adequate medical care by preventing continuation of treatment for a serious health condition.

Valerio emphasized that preventive detention should serve specific procedural purposes—primarily preventing flight risk or evidence tampering—which he asserts were not substantiated in the ruling. The defense claims the court disregarded these legal standards, thereby compromising Hazim’s dignity and presumption of innocence.

The case involves allegations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office that Hazim and six co-defendants participated in the embezzlement of over RD$15 billion from Senasa. While Hazim and six others received pretrial detention, three additional defendants received alternative measures including electronic monitoring, travel restrictions, and mandatory court reporting. Their legal representatives have indicated their clients’ continued cooperation with ongoing investigations.

NEW YORK – In a significant move to empower its overseas citizens, Dominican authorities have initiated a comprehensive digital literacy and financial education program targeting the diaspora community. The joint campaign, unveiled by the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel) and the Institute of Dominicans Abroad (Index) during a special event at the Dominican Consulate General in New York, focuses on promoting secure digital practices and responsible remittance transfers through digital platforms.

The initiative represents a strategic effort by the Dominican government to enhance digital inclusion and financial protection for its citizens living abroad. Through reliable information dissemination, practical training sessions, and specialized tools, the program aims to improve decision-making capabilities in digital environments for diaspora members.

Guido Gómez Mazara, President of Indotel’s executive board, emphasized the critical importance of digital literacy in today’s technologically complex world. “Digital literacy has become fundamental for citizens to safely navigate increasingly sophisticated technological systems,” Gómez Mazara stated, adding that the initiative will deliver clear and accessible training modules specifically designed for Dominicans residing overseas.

Jesús “Chú” Vásquez Martínez, Dominican Consul General in New York, characterized the campaign as a vital form of institutional support for the diaspora community. He highlighted how digital education initiatives strengthen the connective tissue between the Dominican State and its citizens abroad, fostering stronger ties and more engaged communities.

The launch event featured the presentation of initial campaign materials, including specially produced audiovisual capsules and informational content. These resources are designed to guide Dominicans through secure digital practices and the proper use of formal remittance channels, ensuring both financial safety and digital security for users.

Santo Domingo’s iconic Columbus Lighthouse Museum has resumed operations following an extensive one-month renovation project. The cultural institution, formally known as Faro a Colón, now welcomes visitors with significant enhancements to its safety infrastructure, functional amenities, and overall guest experience.

The restoration initiative, representing an investment of approximately RD$35 million, was personally secured by President Luis Abinader and implemented through the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED). This substantial financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to preserving one of the Dominican Republic’s most historically significant landmarks while modernizing its facilities for contemporary tourism demands.

Local authorities have emphasized that the improvements successfully balance modernization with preservation, ensuring the monument’s cultural integrity remains intact while elevating visitor comfort. Governor Eliezer Nolasco has publicly advocated for both residents and international tourists to revisit the museum, recognizing its renewed status as a cornerstone of national heritage and tourism in Santo Domingo Este.

Institutional collaboration played a crucial role in the project’s execution, with Governor Nolasco specifically acknowledging Mayor Dío Astacio for his cooperative efforts in maintenance and administrative support. The successful reopening marks a significant achievement in cultural preservation and tourism development for the Dominican Republic.

A violent workplace altercation erupted into gunfire Monday afternoon at a Chinese-owned retail establishment in Verón–Punta Cana, leaving three individuals wounded and resulting in one arrest. The incident occurred approximately at 5:10 p.m. local time at the ‘Long’ store situated on Barceló Avenue adjacent to the Olé supermarket.

According to criminal investigators from DICRIM, the confrontation originated from a heated verbal exchange between two employees: 24-year-old Haitian national Natacha Benjamin and her 46-year-old Dominican colleague Carmela Bello Raúl. Witnesses reported the argument intensified to near-physical violence, prompting security guard Rafael Hernández Hernández to intercede and separate the disputing parties.

During the intervention, authorities report that Benjamin allegedly seized the guard’s service weapon—a Taurus .38 caliber revolver—and discharged four rounds within the confined retail space. The gunfire resulted in multiple casualties, including Mayloveda Pierre, a Haitian national who sustained a critical neck wound with an exit injury, and Dorcelin Climat, another Haitian employee who suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg. Both Bello Raúl and an unidentified customer present during the incident also received injuries.

Preliminary investigations reveal that two male employees attempted to subdue Benjamin after the initial shot but were subsequently wounded during the struggle. Law enforcement personnel apprehended the alleged aggressor at the scene, where she remains in custody pending formal judicial proceedings.

National Police forensic teams continue evidence collection and investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the escalation. Medical authorities have not yet released official condition updates for the three hospitalized Haitian nationals as the investigation continues to develop.