DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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There have been no serious attacks against journalists and the media. Nevertheless, there is a persistent trend toward intolerance of the critical function of the press by representatives of some sectors who want a bland, complacent journalism that gives up its scared mission to deal with all issues of general interest even if they affect special interests or the sensitivity of some spokesmen. This effort to crush the independent media is seen mainly in frequent lawsuits for alleged libel and defamation. Most of these cases are dismissed, but the repeated lawsuits divert media executives from what should be their main function: paying attention to important matters of interest to the public and planning work that contributes to beneficial building of public opinion, without being subject to fear and threats. This situation has led to a growing effort to promote a law to decriminalize the so-called press crimes, as has been suggested in other cases, and which has been achieved in some countries in the hemisphere. The intolerance has sometimes been manifested violently such as when Marino Zapete, reporter and commentator, was attacked by the former legal consultant of the Executive Branch, Guido Gómez Mazara, while producing his program at a television station. The case has gone to court and a decision is pending. Recently, regulations proposed by the Central Election Board (JCE) for the election campaign caused great concern because they included provisions believed to violate fundamental principles in the Constitution. After observations and warnings from some media companies, the election board guaranteed that the regulations will not be approved until every aspect that can harm freedom of expression is removed. That statement was received with favor, but we shall remain vigilant to make sure that no measure, no matter how well intentioned from any official body, constitute an obstacle that would diminish the media’s freedom to provide information. Miguel Franjul, editor of the newspaper Listín Diario, has reported to this assembly that authorities of the Central Bank have subjected it to pressures, including an advertising boycott and other kinds of harassment for more than two years

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