Over 33,600 Dominicans in foreign jails

posted on: Apr 12 2010 11:33 by Royston. Viewed 528 times.


33.675 Dominicans are currently in foreign jails around the world, mainly on convictions for drugs, rape, homicide, immigration problems and violation of traffic laws. According to statistics from the Consular department of  the Directorate of Prisons, the numbers are made up as; 22.314 in the United States, 9.385 in Europe and Asia, 1.078 in South America and 898 in Central America.

Among South American countries that hold Dominicans in prison are Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and others, while in Central America, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama  and in Europe; Portugal, Greece, Spain, Morocco, France, Switzerland. Caribbean countries include; Jamaica, Curacao, Haiti and Cuba.

Julio Garcia, head of consular department of prisons said the Dominican authorities maintain communication with more than 40 Dominican consulates abroad.

According to the official, they  maintain good relationship with directors of  Correctional Centers in North America, Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Garcia explained that when ex-convicts are returned to the DR, they go through the immigration system with the Bureau of Prisons in coordination with the Immigration Department. After that, providing they do not have outstanding sentences in the Dominican republic, they are required to attend an appointment every 3 months to monitor their progress.

The Dominican Consulate in New York has hired a law firm to assist in the defense of  Dominican prisoners in state prisons and other regions that are within its jurisdiction.

The Consul General, Rafael Evans, explained that the defense of the of thousands of Dominicans held in local,  state and federal jails in the United States is one of the main concerns of his administration.

He said that defending the civil and human rights of these prisoners, is part of the agenda he has set with his team working to provide a defense for many cases.

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