Protests in the Dominican Republic Against Freedom of Expression Bill

Protests broke out Tuesday on the streets of the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, with dozens of demonstrators, including journalists who are furious over a new bill that critics say could stifle freedom of speech and result in government censorship, the Associated Press reported. 

The bill, expected to be passed by the legislature, proposes the establishment of an independent regulator to oversee content published on social media and digital news sites, specifically focusing on what could violate the privacy of children or a person’s dignity. 

However, critics believe that this could allow for overreach and say the measure is the latest attempt at media censorship by the administration of President Luis Abinader. The protesters presented a manifesto demanding proper access to public records and elected representatives, along with an end to “harassment, censorship, or reprisals” against journalists. 

Meanwhile, some journalists have openly backed the bill, arguing that it protects freedom of expression and encourages respect for public criticism. 

Since Abinader took office in 2020, some journalists say he has implemented restrictions on access to government events.  

Journalists also say government security during press conferences has become more aggressive. A reporter with local news service ACD Media, Rosalba Escalante, was recently pushed and stepped on by the security detail of Vice President Raquel Peña, who later publicly apologized. 

Abinader told journalists during a press conference on Monday that he was not involved in the creation of this bill.