Dominican radio broadcasters, members of the Círculo de Locutores, the leading association of radio broadcasters, are threatening to strike if the judiciary does not order the release of broadcaster Nelson Leonardo Reyes imprisoned for his alleged participation in the millionaire fraud against the National Lottery, the government lottery. Extensive press coverage has been given to the scandal that came about after the announcer called out the wrong number, but the judicial authorities have not followed through with the case, most likely because those involved are close to former President Balaguer. Reyes said he was not involved in the fraud, that he just made a mistake. He has been in jail since February 1997 waiting for his case to be heard by the judiciary. He said he is still in jail because he does not have money nor political clout. The fraud involves several influential Partido Reformista Social Cristiano persons that were past administrators or employees at the National Lottery during the Balaguer administration. Most of these have been released without trial.
