Congresswoman demands an end to attacks attributed to ‘Diablos Cojuelos’ against women in Azua

Deputy Grey Pérez Díaz demanded the intervention of the authorities regarding the physical assaults attributed to some Diablos Cojuelos during traditional celebrations in Azua and maintained that no cultural manifestation should be used to justify acts of violence against women and girls.

The legislator expressed her solidarity with Yesenia, a woman who, as she reported, was allegedly assaulted recently by a person dressed as one of these traditional characters.

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Pérez Díaz recounted that during her childhood she also suffered beatings by Diablos Cojuelos, an experience that, as she explained, allows her to identify with women who have gone through similar situations.

“As a child, I suffered many blows from the so-called Diablos Cojuelos, who were ‘normalized’ to hit women. That is neither art nor culture, it is violence,” the congresswoman expressed.

Cojuelo Devils in Azua

The congresswoman recalled that years ago there were situations in which some Diablos Cojuelos would enter homes, chase people, and hit them, generating fear among women and girls.

Although he acknowledged that those practices have diminished over the years, he considered that there are still behaviors that must be eradicated.

Pérez Díaz clarified that his proposal does not seek to eliminate the cultural figure of the Diablo Cojuelo, but rather to prevent the violent behaviors that, as he stated, have been linked to this tradition.

“We need more; we need it to disappear, not the cultural figure of the Diablo Cojuelo, but the unhealthy practice that surrounds it,” he maintained.

Cojuelo Devils and violence

The congresswoman called on the Public Ministry, the Ministry of Women, the National Police, and other competent institutions to adopt the corresponding measures and guarantee the protection of women and girls.

Likewise, he requested to act in accordance with a resolution approved by the Azua city council which, as he indicated, prohibits the aggressions committed under the protection of this practice.

Pérez Díaz regretted that cases of assaulted women continue to be reported and considered that other victims might remain silent due to fear or the normalization of this type of behavior.

“I stand in solidarity with her, with her family and with so many who have not dared to speak out,” he concluded.