The proposal was put forward by Radhames Jimenez, the organization’s vice president and political coordinator, who suggested bringing together the government, political parties, churches, civil society organizations, business leaders, and neighborhood associations for this forum.

The leader expressed that the Dominican Republic is experiencing a rising wave of violence and questioned the authorities’ ability to respond to the criminal acts recorded in recent days.

The incidents cited include a shooting in Boca Chica—a municipality in Santo Domingo province—that left two people dead and five injured, as well as a stabbing attack on a young man in the Serralles neighborhood of the National District.

This proposal comes at a time when official statistics show a decrease in the cumulative homicide rate.

However, Jimenez argued that recent events demand a joint response and additional measures.

He went so far as to warn of the risk that the country could become a “failed state” if, in his view, the institutional response to crime is not altered.

jdt/las/mpv