Hipólito Mejía announces lawsuit against Ángel Martínez for defamation and blackmail

Santo Domingo, DR. – The former president of the Republic, Hipólito Mejía, announced this Monday that he will proceed legally against the communicator and self-proclaimed detective Ángel Martínez, whom he accuses of defamation and insult after falsely linking him to the receipt of money from the confessed drug trafficker Quirino Ernesto Paulino Castillo.

During an interview granted to communicators Jaime Rincón and Luis Brito, editor-in-chief of El Nuevo Diario, Mejía described Martínez’s statements as “a joke and blackmail”, and firmly stated that he will not allow slander against him.

“I want to reiterate to you that I do not play with my honesty nor do I accept lies, intrigue, or blackmail. That’s why I have 50 years in this,” said the former president in a categorical tone.

The former president asserted that the lawsuit will be economic in nature and will be legally based on the blackmail of which, he said, he has been a victim by Martínez. He recalled that his visit to the inmate Ernesto Quirino was carried out publicly and accompanied by journalists, when he was no longer president, in order to obtain relevant information that he still possesses. “I am prepared to fight in any scenario. I will not allow this to cause problems for my children, my grandchildren, or my political history. I have been absolutely transparent and I will defend that with soul, life, and heart,” he expressed.

Mejía also revealed that he has knowledge of other alleged blackmail attempts by Ángel Martínez, about which he promised to offer details publicly in due course.

The former head of state reiterated his commitment to honesty and the defense of his political career, and warned that he will not tolerate unfounded attacks that undermine his personal and family honor.