"Preventive detention cannot continue to be the norm," warns Archbishop of Higüey

Higüey. – The Archbishop of Higüey, Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte, called for improving the physical and human conditions of those deprived of their liberty in the country's prisons, with special attention to pre-trial detainees awaiting due judicial process.

During his words, Castro Marte urged the authorities to find fair solutions within the framework of legal regulations, in line with what was expressed by Pope Leo XIV in his homily on the occasion of the Jubilee of Prisons, held on December 14th. On that occasion, the Pontiff pointed out that "prison is a difficult environment and even the best intentions can encounter many obstacles," so he urged not to be discouraged or retreat, but to move forward with tenacity, courage, and a spirit of collaboration.

You may be interested in: http://"The authority vacuum cannot continue without consequences", warns Castro Marte

Castro Marte also recalled that justice should be understood as a process of reparation and reconciliation, underlining that no human being can be reduced to the mistakes they have made. "What is truly important is that no one gets lost and that everyone is saved," he affirmed. In his capacity as bishop of the Diocese of Altagracia, he valued the efforts made by the Executive Branch, the Judicial Branch, and the Public Ministry to improve the conditions of the Dominican Penitentiary System. However, he insisted on the need to unify criteria and actions among all the institutions involved to settle the historical debt of the country with the high number of pre-trial detainees, a reality that continues to hinder the progress and transformation of the national penitentiary system.