International journalist and political analyst Vargavila Riverón has filed a formal complaint for defamation and slander against communicator and detective Ángel Martínez Jiménez. Riverón accuses Martínez of attacking his integrity, honor, and reputation in violation of Articles 21 and 22 of Law 53-07 regarding High Technology Crimes and Offenses.
The complaint was filed with the National District Prosecutor’s Office by attorneys Rafael Helena Regalado and Ramón Peralta, who provided a USB drive containing a program broadcast on the YouTube channel “Detective Ángel Martínez,” released on May 23, 2025. In the video, Martínez allegedly linked Riverón to “underworld sectors,” accusing him, without evidence, of being a defender of criminal bosses and an employee of drug traffickers.
Riverón labeled the accusations as “unreal, illusory, and fabricated,” asserting that these statements have severely questioned his credibility. As a consequence, he is seeking a compensation of RD$10 million as “just reparation” for the moral damages suffered.
Following his recent assertion that Ángel Martínez had outstanding arrest warrants in the country, Riverón stated that he was suspended from the show “Una nueva mañana,” aired on the Al Tanto TV and Teleantillas networks under the direction of journalist Colombia Alcántar.
Riverón’s legal team indicated that this summons aims to have Martínez appear for questioning alongside Riverón and witnesses. They maintain that Martínez’s statements are not only false but were made with the intent to harm the journalist’s reputation. They described the incident as a “perverse and pathological act of defamation” that deserves exemplary punishment.
It is noteworthy that earlier this week, Judge Julián Vargas from the Second Penal Chamber of the National District imposed a travel ban on Ángel Martínez as a precautionary measure amid an ongoing defamation complaint against him.
This situation highlights the critical issues of media accountability and the protection of personal reputation in today’s highly interconnected digital landscape. The case illustrates how public figures must navigate the complex terrain of media representation and personal integrity. With legal actions underway, it remains to be seen how these allegations will develop, potentially setting precedents in media law.