SANTO DOMINGO — Ángel Martínez, a U.S.-based investigative journalist known across Latin America as Detective Ángel, is at the center of a growing political and legal controversy in the Dominican Republic. After years of exposing alleged corruption through digital media platforms, Martínez now finds himself the target of escalating legal actions many believe are intended to silence his voice and suppress his influence.
The saga began on May 26, 2025, when Martínez was arrested aboard the MSC World America cruise ship while it was leaving Puerto Plata. Dominican authorities apprehended him over a defamation complaint stemming from allegations he made against high-ranking government officials. The arrest was ordered without prior notice or warning, despite Martínez being a Licensed Private Investigator in The State of Florida in the United States and operating both an investigative Agency and media channel based out of Miami, Florida.
Supporters and legal experts argue the charges are politically motivated, rooted in retaliation for Martínez’s investigations into corruption, narcotrafficking, and alleged misuse of public funds. His family and advocates warn that the case is part of a dangerous trend in which journalists who challenge the status quo are punished through the legal system.
“Ángel Martínez is being prosecuted not for committing a crime, but for speaking the truth,” said a family spokesperson. “This is a textbook case of judicial harassment used to silence a journalist.”
Multiple Legal Fronts
In addition to the defamation charge, Dominican prosecutors have filed new accusations of extortion and blackmail, claiming Martínez used his platforms to demand money from political figures under the threat of exposing damaging information. The prosecution has invoked articles from the Dominican Penal Code as well as laws related to cybercrime and misuse of digital platforms, legislation that human rights groups have previously warned is vague and prone to abuse.
Martínez has denied all charges, stating that his journalistic work is based on evidence, public record, and interviews. His YouTube channel, which garners over 2.6 million monthly views, features investigations into political corruption across the Caribbean and Latin America.
Despite his legal team’s attempts to challenge procedural errors — including lack of proper notification and irregularities in warrant execution — Martínez is now under a court-imposed travel ban and must appear before various criminal courts, including a hearing in Santiago scheduled for June 10, 2025.
International Attention
The case has sparked concern among press freedom organizations and legal observers. Advocacy groups are calling on the U.S. State Department, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and international watchdogs to monitor the proceedings and ensure that Martínez is afforded due process and judicial fairness.
His supporters argue that the arrest violates basic human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and protection from arbitrary detention. They note that the journalist’s work, including the statements at the center of the defamation case, was created and distributed from the United States — a country where such speech is protected under the First Amendment.
“This is not just about Ángel Martínez,” said one of his media colleagues. “This is about whether journalists across the Dominican Republic can continue to investigate power without fear of retaliation.”
A Pattern of Silencing?
Martínez’s case is not an isolated incident. In recent years, Dominican authorities have faced criticism for criminalizing speech, particularly through cybercrime legislation that lacks clear definitions and enables the prosecution of critics and independent journalists.
Human rights advocates point to historical patterns in the region, where journalists have often been targets of smear campaigns, legal intimidation, or worse, echoing concerns voiced during previous administrations known for suppressive tactics.
The Road Ahead
As Martínez prepares to face the courts this week, questions remain about the fairness of the legal process and the broader implications for press freedom in the Dominican Republic. While his supporters rally and attorneys prepare for a complex defense, his family is calling for greater international involvement and diplomatic pressure to safeguard his rights.
“This is a fight not only for Ángel’s freedom,” said his son, “but for every journalist who dares to tell the truth in the face of corruption.”
Editor’s Note:
If you are a journalist, media observer, or human rights advocate interested in covering or monitoring this case, please contact @ Bigreachpr . com for access to legal documents, family statements, and supporting evidence.
