Santo Domingo.- Today, June 26, 2025, has been a very hectic day for the Dominican judicial system, with a series of rulings and judicial measures involving public figures that reflect the growing pressure on the justice system to respond firmly and quickly to high-profile cases.
Wander Franco
One of the most talked-about events was the sentence against baseball player Wander Franco, who was sentenced for abuse and exploitation of a minor under 16 years of age. The Collegiate Court of the Judicial District issued a suspended prison sentence of two years, which means that Franco will not go to jail if he complies with certain conditions imposed by the court.
In the same case, the minor’s mother was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple crimes against her daughter, to be served at the Rafey Women’s Correction and Rehabilitation Center in Santiago. Likewise, she must pay a fine of 30 minimum wages in favor of the Dominican State.
Ángel Ramón de Jesús Martínez Jiménez
To this scenario was added the request for a coercive measure imposed against the communicator Ángel Ramón de Jesús Martínez Jiménez, linked to cybercrimes to the detriment of Milagros Marina De Camps Germán. The Public Ministry requested the imposition of an economic guarantee amounting to RD$10,000,000 and periodic presentation and impediment to leave the country.
Similarly, the Public Ministry will request the Permanent Attention Court of Puerto Plata three months of preventive detention, as a coercive measure, against Waner Tavarez Taveras (el Gallero), accused of shooting a man in front of a commercial establishment.
Today’s Court Proceedings
It is clear that the Dominican Republic is going through a decisive moment in its fight to strengthen the rule of law and the credibility of the Public Ministry, but it also shows that spectacle cannot replace due process, nor can public outrage dictate sentences.
Lo que está en juego no es solo el destino de los acusados famosos, sino la confianza colectiva en la justicia como pilar de una sociedad democrática e igualitaria para todos.
