Five judges in the Dominican Republic have been suspended amid accusations that they released violent criminals from prison in exchange for bribes.
General Prosecutor Francisco Dominguez says the government took action against the judges after a yearlong preliminary investigation. Three of the judges have been suspended without pay.
Dominguez said the judges are accused of working with lawyers, ex-judges and others to release criminals including those facing murder and drug trafficking charges. Authorities are now reviewing those cases.
The judges rejected the accusations in an interview with a local radio station and said a political campaign was mounted against them.
The order to suspend the judges was issued Monday.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.