A la Pablo Escobar, dozens demand alleged Dominican kingpin’s release

Monte Plata, Dominican Republic.- A scene similar to those by Colombians to support the late drug lord Pablo Escobar, dozens of people on Tuesday are protesting in front of the local courthouse to demand the release of alleged kingpin Winston Rizik, who faces drug trafficking and money laundering charges.

The protesters, with chants and carrying pickets call Rizik a good citizen, innocent of the accusations and affirm that the drugs and weapons seized in one of his farms were put there by authorities.

Speaking for the group former Boya township mayor Rumersindo Marte said they support Rizik because he’s “an unconditional friend” and called the charges against an “orchestrated campaign.”

"Rizik has helped the community a lot since he came to Ana Santana (farm), he’s a hardworking man and it’s a plot by his enemies, but there’s a righteous God who doesn’t accept injustice against anyone," Marte said.