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Santo Domingo.- A Dominican court has issued a travel ban and required periodic court appearances for Ángel Martínez, who faces charges of defamation and libel against Congressman Sergio “Gory” Moya. The ruling came from Judge Julián Vargas of the Second Criminal Court in the National District.
Martínez’s lawyer, Carlos Mesa, announced plans to appeal, arguing that the measures are disproportionate and undermine freedom of expression. Mesa questioned the validity of the case, pointing out Moya’s own controversial background and expressing confidence that the accusations are unsustainable.
Martínez had previously failed to respond to court summonses, prompting an arrest warrant in 2021. He was detained upon arriving in Puerto Plata on a cruise ship this week.
It appears that Gory is no saint, but that is not convictable behavior. Martinez’s arrest for defamation and libel is nothing more than a warning. His not responding to other court summonses is sufficient cause for him to be arrested and banned from leaving the country. Gory may not pursue the matter between him and Martinez. A trial may expose rumors of his, Gory’s, questionable behaviors are not rumors at all but the truth. We’ll see what unfolds,