Dominican Republic participates in penitentiary network assembly

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic actively participated in the General Assembly of the Penitentiary Cooperation Network (Redcopen), held from May 13 to 15 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The event brought together representatives from over 15 countries in Europe and Latin America to discuss strategies for prison security and combating organized crime within penitentiary systems. Representing the country were Roberto Hernández Basilio, director of the General Directorate of Penitentiary and Correctional Services (DGSPC), and Calíope Malena Coronado, DGSPC’s planning director.

The Dominican delegation shared insights on prison reform and modernization efforts, highlighting their national experience in various plenary and working sessions. During the assembly, Hernández Basilio was recognized by the Argentine Penitentiary Directorate for his leadership in fostering regional collaboration.

Redcopen, launched in 2019 under Mercosur’s justice ministers’ initiative, aims to institutionalize regional cooperation in the prison sector. The assembly concluded with the approval of governance mechanisms, internal regulations, and a roadmap for Redcopen’s future. The event was supported by the European Union-funded PACTO program and featured prominent officials from Argentina and the European Commission.