Dozens protested on Sunday, 19 February 2023, seeking public support to keep using sound equipment in public spaces. The protestors argue they do not harm anyone and only entertain themselves with the loud music.
The owners of the so-called “kitipos” call for the end to what they describe as police abuses against them when these seize their speakers.
They demand amendments to Anti-Noise Law 90-19. The loud music lovers argue the anti-noise regulation does not establish the decibels allowed for the volume of music, nor does it limit the number of speakers that can be installed in vehicles.
The demonstration of the music lovers in vehicles was also joined by the owners of businesses that also install the loud speakers to entertain their customers.
The protestors demanded justice for the death of a child in Santiago when police intervened to seize a music blasting equipment in a neighborhood business.
According to the young people who make their living from blasting loud music, they pay import taxes on the music equipment and then have to pay fines of up to RD$500,000.
The musicologists hope President Luis Abinader will take them into account and form a technical committee to work on improvements to government regulation.
Neighbor groups have constantly protested the loud music blasted in colmado bars.
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Noticias SIN
El Dia
20 February 2023