Police Colonel’s murder unmasks State University’s virtual “independence”

Santo Domingo. –Tuesday’s shooting death of a National Police Colonel and injuries to seven others, including three other officers during protests has opened a debate into the law that prohibits the entry of law enforcement agents into the campus of the Santo Domingo State University (UASD).

The police said masked rioters killed colonel Julian Suarez Cordero with a bullet to the face while he tried to restore order at the corner of Alma Mater and Jose Contreras avenues.

Also wounded in the clashes were colonel Julio Justino de los Santos, the agent Rafael Perez and the civilian Juan Batista de Jesus Perez.

"The National Police are mourning the Colonel’s death," said Police chief Jose A. Polanco, who said those responsible will be caught and brought to justice.

The law which bestows the UASD with a protected status and virtual independence was enacted in June,1964, during the tumultuous years after the assassination of the dictator Rafael Trujillo.