Bahoruco.– The secretary general of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Johnny Pujols, stated that the Dominican Republic is going through one of its worst moments, pointing to a sustained deterioration in the population’s quality of life, public services, and what he considers threats to democracy and freedom of expression.
“The country is in one of its worst moments. Not only because of the decline in the quality of life of the Dominican people and public services, but also because of the repeated attempts to affect democracy and freedom of expression”, expressed Pujols during his speech.
The political leader questioned initiatives promoted by the Government that, in his view, have generated concern in different sectors, including the DNI law, the modifications to the legislation on freedom of expression, and some articles of the Penal Code that have been pointed out as restrictive.
In that sense, he maintained that these actions represent risks to the democratic exercise and could affect the citizens’ right to express themselves freely. “In no strong democracy is defamation punished with jail, because that can generate a chilling effect and become a form of censorship,” he indicated.
Pujols also referred to the country’s economic and social situation, highlighting the high cost of living, the increase in crime, and the impact these factors have on the stability and mental health of the population.
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Regarding the debate on the Penal Code, Pujols appreciated that the initiative to modify some articles has been taken; however, he warned that the process must be closely observed by the citizenry.
“The Dominican people must be very vigilant, they must observe what is being attempted to be modified. There are aspects that must be studied in depth, because we have seen that other articles are also being touched upon that are not necessarily linked to freedom of expression,” he pointed out.
In that context, she cited warnings made by Dr. Laura Costa, who publicly alerted about proposals that would seek to reduce the statute of limitations for crimes of rape against minors, as well as decrease the maximum sentence from 30 to 20 years, which she described as “extremely dangerous.”
Pujols insisted that any reform must be comprehensive and guarantee fundamental rights. “It remains a weak modification if it does not completely eliminate jail time for defamation offenses. No country with a strong democracy punishes defamation with imprisonment, because it can create a chilling effect and become a form of prior censorship,” he stated.
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In that sense, he warned that the fear of criminal sanctions could limit citizen reporting and the practice of journalism, directly affecting freedom of expression.
The statements were offered in the context of an extensive work agenda that included the inauguration of PLD offices and the swearing-in of new members in different communities of the Bahoruco and Independencia provinces, as part of the party’s structural strengthening process.
Present at the activities were Ramón de la Rosa, member of the Political Committee; members of the PLD Central Committee, including Manolín Echenique, liaison in the Bahoruco and Independencia provinces; Manuel Paula, former senator of Bahoruco; Elvin Perdomo, provincial and Galván president; Erys Pérez, municipal president of the PLD in Neyba; Pablo Remigio Santana, president of the Independencia province, among other leaders.
During the month of July, the political organization has put 21 new offices into operation nationwide, including 10 inaugurated in a single day in the South, consolidating its territorial presence and its reorganization strategy with a view to the upcoming electoral processes.
As part of his agenda, Pujols led inaugurations and political activities in municipalities such as Galván, Neyba, Villa Jaragua, Las Clavellinas, Los Ríos, Postrer Río, and La Descubierta. Likewise, he will continue his tour on Sunday in the municipalities of Jimaní, Duvergé, and Cristóbal, where he will hold meetings with leaders, business owners, and community members.
