The Attorney General, Doctor Francisco Dominguez Brito, has rejected the claim that cutting his hair was a violation of the rights of rap singer Manuel Varet Martes (Vakero), who was sent to the Rehabilitation and Correction Center in San Pedro de Macoris on three months remand for aggression and psychological violence against his wife, singer Martha Heredia.
Dominguez Brito said that the rules were the same for everyone, and anyone who goes into the new prisons has to have a haircut. He made the point that if someone was allowed to go to jail with long hair and earrings it could affect the system. He added that they could also hide a knife in their hair and mentioned the hygiene considerations.
He said that he knew that many people were unhappy with the situation but that rules were rules without exceptions, so there was no need to wait for an appeal against the haircut.
Vakero’s manager, Dominic Martinez complained that the haircut represented a violation of his client’s rights and that prison Governor Aron Garic had promised to wait until after the appeal hearing.
Vakero, who has long dreadlocks, claims to be a Rastafarian and that he never cuts his hair in keeping with his religious beliefs. He is reported to have cried when his hair was being cut. His manager went on to say that he is only on remand and has not been found guilty of anything.
www.elnacional.com.do/que-pasa/2013/1/23/148474/Dominguez-Brito-rechaza-violaran-derechos-a-Vakero