Nationality row: Dominican-Haitian activist barred from flight to U.S.

Santo Domingo.- Juliana Deguis Pierre, born in Dominican Republic of Haitian parents, was barred by Immigration agents from boarding a flight to the U.S. via Las Americas International Airport (AILA)on Sunday, for failing to produce a passport.

Deguis, a Dominican of Haitian descent, which the Central Electoral Board (JCE) accuses of obtaining an ID (Cedula) with forged papers, is s one of around 20,000 reportedly in that status.

She had planned to travel on a JetBlue flight to Washington on with a special permit which her lawyers claim was issued by the U.S. State Department, but was still denied exit.

According to local media other activists did manage to fly out of the country to participate in the American Commission on Human Rights (ACHR) hearing today.

Deguis’ lawyers warned of consequences for the country’s actions.