CONFIDENTIAL
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Report by HM Embassy Santo Domingo
General Observations
This country shares the Latin American tradition of abuse of human rights. This abuse was virtually total during the Trujillo era, but there has been a discernible improvement in recent years.
This can be attributed in part to a general lessening of tension as extremist groups come to realise that confrontation and violence are likely to harm them more than the Government. But there are signs that the latter are them- selves taking note of public opinion. Ex-President Bosch, whilst attacking the Government for the continued imprisonment of political prisoners, has publicly stated that the country is no longer living in a reign of terror. The Dominican Communist Party (CDP) whilst also attacking the Government on the subject of political prisoners, has said that there has recently been a significant advance in the sphere of respect for human rights and the safeguard of civil liberties.
Comment by Latin American Dept
It seems to us that the Embassy's ratings are a little harsh. Our own suggested ratings are added in brackets.
Right No.
(i)
(ii)
The law provides that persons arrested be charged within 24 hours; this is generally complied with. There is no time limit for bringing a case to trial and de- lays, political or bureaucratic, of up to 18 months are common. The number of persons imprisoned for a year or more without trial is not unknown, but is probably some hundreds (total population 4,830,000).
The systematic use of torture against political prisoners appears to have decreased in the past 3-4 years. Individual policemen, who can be very primi- tive types, are often brutal to those arrested, no matter on what charge. Conditions in prisons generally are poor.
Rating suggested by Post
7
(5)
5
(4)
/(iii)
CONFIDENTIAL
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