The judge who heard the request for allowing freedom of transit for 22-year old US citizen Joshua Steven Riibe has ruled in his favor. Judge Edwin Rijo of the Higuey jurisdiction ordered the release of Riibe from the 24/7 police surveillance that had been accompanying him in his extended stay at the Riu Republica resort in the northern Arena Gorda section of Punta Cana. Media reports say the Attorney General Office has been covering the cost of Riibe’s extended stay for collaboration in the investigations.
Riibe’s counsel had requested freedom to move, the right to return home to his family and that his passport be returned to their client.
The judge said that the local prosecutors are free to continue the investigations into the disappearance of 20-year old Indian citizen Sudiksha Konanki who came for her spring break vacation. Judge Rijo emphasized that all of Riibe’s rights should be respected and that as a witness, he can cooperate without being held in custody.
The Police and Attorney General Office are investigating Riibe as the last person seen in company with the missing tourist Sudiksha Konanki. Riibe had presented the legal recourse (habeas corpus) calling for his release from surveillance given that the authorities had not pressed charges against him, 12 days after the young woman went missing.
Judge Edwin Rijo of the Higuey Penal Chamber called Riibe “a witness” in the investigation of 20-year old Indian citizen Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance at a Punta Cana beach hotel. Previously, the authorities had been referring to him as a “person of interest” but in reality he was in privileged custody at the hotel with 24/7 surveillance.
The judge did not order that Riibe’s passport be returned to him. The judge said that decision corresponds to another level in the justice system. The prosecutors say he voluntarily presented his passport as part of his collaboration. While Judge Rijo declared his incompetence in the passport case, he did not specify the appropriate authority for further appeal.
Riibe’s unique situation stems from being the last person to spend time with Sudiksha Konanki, who went missing on 6 March. During the hearing, his lawyers, Helen Alexandra Peralta Cordero and Micenis Beatriz Santana Hernández of the law firm Guzman Ariza, argued for his freedom. Riibe’s father, Albert, also present, stated he is staying at the Riu República hotel to be with his son, who has no phone or passport. He said he would remain in the country until he returns to the US with his son.
Riibe described being constantly surrounded by security agents outside his room or in the hotel dining area. He mentioned seeing many people involved in the investigation when going to the beach. Konanki’s absence was reported on 6 March after concerns raised by a friend who had gone to the beach with her earlier that day.
The complete reading of the judge’s decision will be issued on 28 March 2025.
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19 March 2025