Renowned political figure and former district attorney, Guillermo Moreno, has vehemently condemned the recent regulations proposed by the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ), arguing that they pose a grave threat to transparency and could foster impunity.
Moreno contends that these new regulations, which aim to conceal the identities of individuals involved in criminal proceedings, directly contradict the constitutional guarantees of freedom of information and public access to judicial processes.
“It’s simply impossible to reconcile these regulations with the public nature of criminal proceedings,” Moreno asserted, emphasizing that criminal offenses have a profound impact on society as a whole. He further argued that the public’s right to know the identities of those who violate the law is a fundamental aspect of a just society, and that no regulation should supersede the Constitution in suppressing such a right.
The former prosecutor expressed deep concern that these regulations could serve as a shield for individuals implicated in high-profile white-collar crimes and drug trafficking cases. Such criminals, he noted, have a vested interest in remaining anonymous to evade the social stigma associated with their illicit activities.
“If adopted, these regulations will usher in a new era of impunity in our country, benefiting those who cause the most harm to our society,” Moreno warned.
While acknowledging the importance of protecting the rights of the accused, Moreno argued that the focus should be on regulating how information about individuals involved in criminal cases is disseminated, rather than suppressing it altogether. He proposed that precise legal terminology, such as “defendant,” “accused,” and “convicted,” be used to accurately reflect an individual’s status within the legal process. This approach, he contended, would help to prevent media trials that could damage the reputations of those who have not been definitively convicted.
Moreno urged the SCJ and policymakers to abandon these harmful regulations and prioritize transparency within the justice system. He emphasized that shielding the identities of those implicated in criminal activities not only erodes public trust in institutions but also undermines fundamental democratic principles.
Moreno reiterated his commitment to defending citizens’ rights and strengthening a transparent and equitable justice system. He called on the public to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine these core values.
The Society of Dailies in the Dominican Republic was the first to raise red flags against the new Supreme Court of Justice ruling that stipulates that initials be used when posting sentences online.
2 December 2024