Thế Giới

Environment Minister of the Dominican Republic assassinated in office

The authorities said Environment Minister Dominican RepublicMr. Orlando Jorge Mera (55 years old), was shot dead in his office on June 6.

Environment Minister of the Dominican Republic was assassinated in his office - photo 1

Environment Minister Orlando Jorge Mera was shot and killed on June 6

screenshot bbc

Reuters quoted the Dominican Republic authorities as saying Environment Minister Orlando Jorge Mera (55 years old) has been shoot dead in the office on June 6.

Spokesperson Homero Figueroa of the presidential office Dominican Republic said in a video posted to Twitter on Friday afternoon that a suspect, identified as Miguel Cruz, had been arrested.

Mr. Figueroa said Cruz was a childhood friend of Minister Mera. The motive for the attack is still unknown.

The office of President Luis Abinader also offered its deepest condolences to Mr. Mera’s family.

Employees at the Dominican Republic Department of Environment and Resources told journalists they heard at least seven shots from inside the building. Police units arrived at the scene shortly after.

Mr. Mera, who is also a lawyer, comes from a powerful political family. He is the son of former President Salvador Jorge Blanco of the Dominican Republic, who was president from 2002 to 2006. His sister Mera is also a deputy minister in President Abinader’s administration.

Mr. Mera was also a founding member of the Modern Revolutionary Party. He was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in August 2020.

Minister Mera left behind his wife, Patricia Selma Villegas, and two children. Mera’s son, Orlando Jorge Villegas, is a federal congressman and member of the Modern Revolution party.

You are reading the article Environment Minister of the Dominican Republic assassinated in office

at Blogtuan.info – Source: thanhnien.vn – Read the original article here

Back to top button