Impartiality questioned in Jet Set case due to judge’s family ties with the accused’s associates

Santo Domingo. – The transparency of the judicial process against the siblings Antonio and Maribel Espaillat, accused of the collapse of the roof at the nightclub Jet Set, has been questioned after possible family and business ties between the judge of the case and associates of one of the accused were revealed. Magistrate Fátima Veloz, who presided over the coercion measure hearing, is the daughter of businessman Ernesto Veloz, a recognized partner of the influential hotelier Frank Rainieri. The latter, according to corporate records, maintains business relationships of the Grupo PuntaCana with the accused Antonio Espaillat, which has raised alarms about a possible conflict of interest. The Public Ministry filed charges against the Espaillat brothers for their alleged responsibility in the disaster that left 236 dead and more than 180 injured, alleging gross negligence, irregularities in the remodeling permits, and structural failures related to the installation of equipment on the roof. Although the prosecution requested 18 months of pre-trial detention and that the case be declared complex, Judge Veloz instead imposed an economic coercion measure of RD$50 million for each defendant, which has generated strong criticism among sectors that demand justice for the victims.

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Civil organizations and jurists have expressed concern about the possible **influence of personal relationships** in a high-profile case that has shocked national public opinion. The case file remains under investigation as scrutiny grows over the conditions under which the judicial process is unfolding.