What is considered an outrage to the National Anthem and the penalties involved

The use of the National Flag, the National Shield and the National Anthem, patriotic symbols of the Dominican Republic, are regulated by Law 210-19. Article 37 of the aforementioned law considers as an insult to the National Anthem; changing its lyrics and musical tempo, dancing while it is performed, or turning it into a danceable musical piece. It is also considered an outrage to sing it or have it played at the posthumous event of a person who does not have the attributes established by the Law itself. Regarding penalties, article 39 establishes that: "Those who commit outrage against the correct use of any of the national symbols will be punished with a prison sentence of one to three months and a fine of five to twenty minimum wages in the public sector."

Recently, a citizen identified as Amarilis Brito, 64 years old, was arrested in Moca, Espaillat, after a video circulated in which she performed the National Anthem to the rhythm of dembow.

Although the lady did not alter her letters, only modify her rhythm and have sung it in an establishment selling alcoholic beverages and not in a solemn manner. On January 2nd, Mrs. Alicia Anabel Santos Díaz was arrested for altering the lyrics of the National Anthem and interpreting it with terms related to lesbianism. Yoseli Castillo Fuertes was also charged for being one of the organizers of the cultural activity in which the lyrics of the National Anthem were altered. The Peace Court of the First District of the National District imposed periodic presentation, as a coercive measure, against Alicia Anabel Santos Díaz, it was also ordered that the accused appear every two months before the office of the investigating prosecutor and granted a period of six months for the Public Ministry to conclude the investigation and present a concluding act.