Motion seeks to reopen case of senator allegedly embezzled RD$250M

Santo Domingo.- The Justice Ministry on Monday asked a judicial review of a Constitutional Court ruling that halted an investigation of La Altagracia province senator Amable Aristy for allegedly embezzling State funds.

Special Instruction judge Juan Hirohito Reyes handed down the ruling which also declares unconstitutional, Justice minister Francisco Dominguez’s decision to continue the probe.

Specialized Anti-corruption Office director Laura Maria Guerrero said the ruling violates constitutional principles by failing to recognize the Justice Ministry’s authority to open a temporary probe as stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Code.

Moreover, Guerrero said decision violates the principles of procedural law, legal security and due process, among others. "This motion seeks that the Constitutional Court annuls the resolution, since it violates constitutional guarantees of society."

Aristy allegedly embezzled at least RD$250.0 million during his tenure as General secretary of the Dominican Municipal League.