Raising a broken flag is a criminal offense, states RDPorLoAlto

Santo Domingo.- The patriotic campaign RDPorLoAlto, promoted by Hernani Aquino, expresses its deep concern about the persistent disrespect for the National Flag in public and private institutions of the Dominican Republic, where torn, faded, frayed, or obviously damaged flags are hoisted. According to Law No. 210-19, which regulates the use of national symbols, the use of deteriorated flags constitutes an act of irreverence (article 24, numeral 7), expressly prohibited for offending the decorum and respect due to this sacred emblem. Any flag in poor condition must be removed immediately and eliminated with dignity through solemn incineration, without leaving public evidence (article 23).

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The established sanctions are clear and applicable in both criminal and civil spheres. Acts of irreverence against the National Flag, including its hoisting in poor condition, are punished with imprisonment of 15 to 30 days and a fine of 1 to 5 minimum wages in the public sector (article 38). In cases that escalate to outrage (such as destruction or serious contempt), the penalties are aggravated to imprisonment of 1 to 3 months and fines of 5 to 20 minimum wages (article 39). These provisions oblige public officials and private individuals, who are directly responsible for omission or negligence in allowing such infractions. RDPorLoAlto reiterates its commitment to the dignity of national symbols and urges all institutions and citizens to strictly comply with Law 210-19: review and immediately replace deteriorated flags and report non-compliance.