They march demanding justice for murdered women in Saint Thomas

Monte Plata.– This Sunday afternoon, hundreds of people marched through the main streets of this municipality in a peaceful march to demand justice for the murder of the Dominicans Mariení Tiburcio Heredia and Eduviges Amparo, which occurred in Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, without any convictions having been made for both crimes so far.

According to the protesters, Mariení Tiburcio Heredia was shot to death on August 29 by her ex-partner, Tizoni Mahoney, who allegedly abused her constantly. Although the accused was arrested, family members and community members expressed their concern about the possibility that he could be released without justice being served. Meanwhile, Eduviges Amparo was murdered on April 21, 2022, and her body was found in a state of decomposition several days later. More than two years after the event, the authorities have not identified or prosecuted the person responsible, a situation that keeps her family in a prolonged state of anguish and uncertainty. During the walk, participants also demanded justice for other women victims of violence, including Amarfis Díaz and Yohanca Natalí, as well as for young people who have lost their lives due to contract killings. Several mothers spoke to denounce the impunity that, they claim, surrounds numerous cases of violent deaths both inside and outside the country.

The protesters made a direct call to the Dominican Government to provide accompaniment and support to the victims’ families, especially in cases that occurred abroad, due to the fear that they will go unpunished. Likewise, they demanded that the competent authorities redouble diplomatic and legal efforts to ensure that those responsible are tried and sanctioned in accordance with the law.

The march concluded peacefully, with slogans and banners that called for justice, truth, and an end to violence against women.