Senator Antonio Taveras Guzmán, from the province of Santo Domingo, expressed his rejection of civilian deaths that the National Police attribute to «exchange of fire» during a press release from his office on Wednesday. The legislator insisted that lethal force should only be used when there is an imminent threat and that the rule of law imposes limits on police action.
Alarming mortality data
Taveras cited that, according to citizen security bulletins, 215 deaths classified as legal intervention by police officers were recorded in 2025, which amounts to almost 16 % of the 1 371 homicides counted that year. In the first half of 2026 the figure rose to 144 deaths, representing 23 % of the 625 homicides recorded.
Emblematic case
The senator recalled the incident of March 30, 2021, when Joel Eusebio Díaz Ferrer and Elisa Muñoz Marte, evangelical spouses returning from a religious activity, were shot dead by police officers in Villa Altagracia. That case illustrates the seriousness of the events that, according to Taveras, must be investigated with the utmost rigor.
Legislative action proposal
To address the situation, Taveras proposed the adoption of a resolution that obliges the Senate to send invitations to the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful, and the Director of the National Police, Ernesto Rodríguez García. The goal is for both officials to explain the verification procedures of the agents’ accounts, the investigations carried out by the Internal Affairs Directorate, and the results obtained.
Importance of the debate
The senator’s criticism comes at a time when Dominican society demands greater respect for human rights and legality in police conduct. Transparency in intervention processes and accountability are essential to restore trust between citizens and security institutions.
Source credits: n.com.do
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