Human Rights Torch Relay Visits the Dominican Republic

SANTO DOMINGO—The Human Rights Torch Relay (HRTR) visited the Dominican Republic on Saturday, March 12, after beginning its tour of South America in Peru on Friday.

The event was held in the Altar de la Patria (Fatherland Alter) in Independence Park, then made its way from Colón Park to where the torch was received by two Dominican athletes: two-time Pan-American gold medalist in karate Heydi Rodriguez, and Pan-American gold medalist in judo Modesto Lara.

Speakers at the event included the high commissioner of Human Rights for the Dominican Republic, Dr. Domingo Porfirio Rojas Nina, and Virgilio Almanzar, president of the Human Rights Committee.

The Torch Relay, intended to raise global awareness about human rights abuses in China leading up to the Beijing Olympics, featured the National Police Music Band.

Other supporters of the Torch Relay included representatives from the Youth Pastors of the Catholic Church, Christian community organizations, and the Associations of Neighbors.

Educational institutions represented were the Argentina Republic Cultural Center and the Law Institute Human Rights. Other organizations participating in the event included the Dominican Republic Falun Dafa Association, The Epoch Times, the Community Environmental Action Program, the Metropolitan Service of Transportation, and the Metropolitan Office of Buses.

In Colón Park, in the colonial part of town, Heydi Rodriguez and Modesto Lara, the Pan-American gold medal champions in karate and judo, respectively, lead the parade, accompanied by the National Police band and groups in support of the Human Rights Torch Relay. (The Epoch Times)

The organizers of the Human Rights Torch Relay called upon the consciences of audience members to join with them in informing the public about the human rights abuses occurring in the world, in the particular those abuses committed by the Chinese regime against the Falun Gong spiritual discipline.

Mr. Domingo Porfirio Rojas Nina, high commissioner of human rights, holds the microphone. Next to him is athlete Heydi Rodríguez, Pan-american double gold medal champion in karate. To her side is gold medal judo champion Modesto Lara. Behind her is Virgilio Almánzar, president of the Dominican Committee of Human Rights. (The Epoch Times)

Organizers described the Torch Relay as a symbol of justice and respect for humanity, intending to awaken people's conscience for global regard of human rights, including the rights to life and freedom of belief and speech.