Anger in Dominican city after activist killed during protest

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Riot police and soldiers have spread out across a city north of the Dominican Republic’s capital following protests over the killing of an activist during a demonstration against the local government.

Many businesses closed Thursday in San Francisco de Macoris and public transit ground to a halt as the city braced for possible protests over the death of university student and activist Vladimir Lantigua. He was shot and killed Tuesday during a protest calling for more spending on infrastructure and demanding the prosecution of a former city official accused of corruption.

Protest group leader Raul Monegro said many believe the 24-year-old was shot by police and they are demanding an investigation. Police spokesman Nelson Rosario said officers had withdrawn from the area when the shooting occurred and were not involved.