Protesters demand dissolution of Citizen Participation over foreign funding claims

Santo Domingo.- A group of citizens marched on Sunday to the offices of Participación Ciudadana, a non-partisan civic movement, arguing that the organization undermines Dominican democracy.

Gathering in front of the institution after marching through several streets, protesters, dressed in national colors, demanded its dissolution. Their demonstration was prompted by allegations that the entity receives foreign funding to manipulate information and discredit the country.

In response, National Police officers cordoned off the institution for protection. The controversy follows reports that Participación Ciudadana received US$10.8 million from USAID over seven years—funds the organization insists were audited by national and international entities.