Dominicans mark 50 years since a day of infamy

Santo Domingo.- Today September 25 marks the 50 years since the criminal coup against Dominican Republic’s first ever constitutional and democratically elected Government headed by Juan Bosch, just seven months after winning the December 20, 1962, election with more than 60% of the votes.

The putsch was carried out by the era’s most reactionary sectors, led by big business, military leaders, the political party National Civic Union, the U.S. Embassy and, unfortunately, supported by the Catholic Church’s hierarchy.

Several activities planned for today aim to ensure that Dominicans don’t let the date go unnoticed, to avert a repeat of the day of infamy and a setback for the country institutionally, economically, politically and socially for more than fifty years.

In the wake of the Cuban revolution, all presidents or candidates with progressive and democratic ideas were branded as Communists, above all Juan Bosch, whose persuasive and fresh speech reached the common people.