Efforts to resolve controversial legislation on National Intelligence Directorate

The commission appointed by President Luis Abinader to facilitate consensus on the contentious Law 1-24, which establishes the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI), remains committed to bridging the gap between the Government and various sectors of society that have voiced concerns about the legislation.

Persio Maldonado Sánchez, coordinator of the commission, reported over the weekend that efforts are ongoing to foster a robust consensus regarding the law in question. He emphasized that dialogue is essential to address concerns raised about certain aspects of the legislation, which are perceived to violate the Dominican Constitution and contradict rulings issued by the Constitutional Court (TC).

Speaking on the television program “Synthesis” hosted by Michael Hazim, Maldonado Sánchez highlighted the objective of integrating Law 1-24 into the Dominican Republic’s Constitution through constructive dialogue with representatives from the Government and various societal sectors that have publicly opposed the law.

“The dialogue is progressing with input from government representatives and diverse societal sectors that have expressed reservations about the law,” Maldonado Sánchez stated. He mentioned that legal experts are working to reconcile differing perspectives on the law’s content.

Maldonado Sánchez noted President Abinader’s expressed commitment to implementing decisions reached by consensus within the commission. However, he warned that failure to achieve consensus could result in continued societal opposition to the law.

“If consensus remains elusive, each sector will respond accordingly—we will protest, denounce, and take action against the law,” emphasized Maldonado Sánchez, who also serves as president of the newspaper El Nuevo Diario.

He underscored that President Abinader, given his democratic principles, should strive to avoid leaving a controversial law as part of his administration’s legacy.

“President Abinader would make a grave mistake to associate his administration with such a law. He does not deserve such a stain on his legacy,” remarked Maldonado Sánchez, highlighting the president’s opportunity to refine the legislation to establish a robust intelligence framework befitting a modern state.

“The government is earnestly working towards this goal,” he concluded.