The El Seibo protestors that were walking to the Presidential Palace on Sunday, 17 November 2019, were challenged by police with tear bombs. The farmers and their supporters were marching from Enriquillo Park carrying placards en route to the Presidential Palace. They were met by the National Police, who would not let them advance and forcibly removed them.
Police commander Máximo Aybar had requested the protestors desist from the walk to the Presidential Palace. When the protestors did not comply, he left and the forceful actions began. Five people were injured during the clash. Online videos showing how two nuns that accompanied the farmers were dragged on the street have become trending topics.
The farmers from El Seibo have been calling for what they understand is their right to continue farming the lands where they have been farming for years. Recently, an authorization was issued to a would-be legal purchaser of the lands and the farmers were evicted.
Priest Miguel Ángel Grullón said that a presidential commission had met with them and agreed to carry out a survey of the land in question but nothing has yet happened.
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19 November 2019