Protesters rally at Plaza de la Bandera, denounce high living costs and defend free speech

Santo Domingo.- Dozens of demonstrators gathered Thursday at Plaza de la Bandera to protest policies of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), denouncing the rising cost of living and calling for stronger protections for freedom of expression.

Carrying Dominican flags and banners, protesters delivered speeches and chanted slogans criticizing government decisions while insisting on the right to peaceful dissent. Organizers described the plaza as a symbolic space for civic expression and public demands for economic, social, and institutional reforms.

Many participants displayed signs reading “No to the Gag Law,” “Freedom of expression is not negotiable,” and “Do not criminalize opinion,” urging the National Congress to amend legislative provisions they believe threaten press freedom and citizens’ right to express their views.

The demonstration unfolded under a heavy police presence, with National Police officers maintaining security and members of the General Directorate of Traffic and Land Transport Safety (Digesett) managing traffic around the area. Although no violent incidents were reported, the protest caused significant congestion along Luperón Avenue and nearby intersections, prompting authorities to implement temporary traffic diversions.