The executive vice-president of the Institutionalism and Justice Foundation (Finjus), Servio Tulio Castaños Guzmán called the General Transit Safety and Land Transportation Agency (Digesett) a “scandalous” institution that repeatedly puts the country in “difficult situations” from the point of view of freedom of the press. Castaños Guzmán pointed out that the Dominican Republic is currently the focus of what should not happen in a country where democracy exists.
The Finjus vice-president spoke in these terms when questioned by the press as to whether he agrees with the dismantling of the El Coco Vehicle Retention Center (canódromo), located on Monumental Avenue, in the National District. The request to dismantle the El Coco vehicle center came from the La Altagracia bishop, Jesus Castro Marte, after the incident when authorities at the vehicle retention center violently impeded Ombudsman Pedro Pablo Ulloa and journalists to inspect the facilities. Ulloa had gone to verify for himself complaints he had been receiving regarding major irregularities at the center. After impeding the ombudsman and the journalists to do their jobs, the Digesett authorities seized their mobiles and cameras and then wiped the footage before returning the devices.
“The most serious thing that happened that day was that data that would have served as evidence of what happened there was erased. And that is what should put us at the center of reflection,” said Castaños Guzmán.
He said that such situations should not be repeated and that he hopes that the committee appointed by President Luis Abinader will establish responsibilities in this matter.
Castaños Guzmán is the coordinator of the high level government committee that is overseeing police reform in the country. The Digesett is a specialized corps of the National Police.
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Diario Libre
21 April 2022