Pot-banging protests continue for a second night across Santo Domingo

Videos shared on social media captured residents banging pots and pans from balconies, homes, and streets in areas including Mirador Sur, El Millón, Bella Vista, Naco, and Evaristo Morales shortly after 8:00 p.m. Organizers said the demonstrations will continue daily at the same time as a peaceful way to pressure the government and the National Congress.

The protests come amid growing criticism of the new Penal Code, which opponents have labeled a “gag law,” arguing that it threatens freedom of expression. Demonstrators have also cited dissatisfaction with recent tax increases and the fatal police-involved shooting of Darlin Mercado Reyes, a 19-year-old from the Guajimía sector of Herrera, Santo Domingo Oeste, who died on July 3 after being shot by a National Police officer during a traffic intervention that was captured on video and widely circulated on social media.

The movement gained momentum after Dominican rapper Melymel urged citizens on social media to participate in the nightly pot-banging protests. Organizers have also called for a nationwide rally at Plaza de la Bandera on Thursday, where participants from across the country are expected to gather to demand changes to the legislation, justice in the Mercado case, and greater government accountability.