Various voices within the ruling party showed that they have the signatures to request that the Supreme Court remove the National Prosecutor.
This Thursday Lawyer Juan Pablo Hermosilla, Luis Hermosilla’s lawyer, announced the first list of prosecutors and members of the Judiciary that he had conversations with the accused in the Audios Case, where the National Prosecutor, Ángel Valencia, stands out.
Given this, Various voices announced that they will seek the Supreme Court to remove Valencia, after his meeting with Hermosilla and Andrés Chadwick became known.where the persecutor would have promised to provide them with information regarding the causes linked to former president Sebastián Piñera.
Deputy Jaime Naranjo (PS) stated in 24 Horas that “from the statements made by lawyer Hermosilla, one can conclude two things: first, that prosecutors and judges are not intimidated by the complaints that he is pointing out, and secondly, I believe that the situation of the National Prosecutor has remained in a rather delicate and difficult moment, because once again it is confirmed that he has been untruthful on repeated occasions.”
Faced with these facts, the parliamentarian pointed out that “I would call on the National Prosecutor to reflect and I believe that it is most appropriate due to the prestige of the institution, due to the honest, serious and responsible work that the majority of prosecutors are doing, “He should step aside, he should present his resignation because clearly his figure today is questionable, he is a person who has not told the truth.”
“If he does not take the path of resigning, may we tomorrow We parliamentarians resort to the powers we have to present a libel before the Supreme Court to request his dismissal. There is not the slightest doubt that in Parliament there are already more than ten signatures for that (…) I think that a number of antecedents have already been gathered that make it necessary to follow that path,” warned Jaime Naranjo.
These words were shared by his radical peer Alexis Sepúlveda, who recognized that “a warning signal must be raised. The National Prosecutor, let’s say it as it is: had a private meeting, not registered in the lobby law with an operator in the judicial field and furthermore, that meeting in one of the versions of the lawyer Hermosilla, indicates that it was to analyze causes that could eventually involve former President Piñera, so this is a serious situation.”
Sepúlveda pointed out that Ángel Valencia “has lost credibility and that is fundamental for the first authority of the Public Ministry (…) I think that the National Prosecutor has to step aside.”
How might the current political climate in Chile influence judicial proceedings against high-profile figures like Sebastián Piñera?
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to our exclusive interview segment. Today, we are diving into a highly pressing issue that has arisen in the political landscape, particularly concerning the National Prosecutor, Ángel Valencia. I’m joined by legal expert and political analyst, Dr. Mariana Pérez. Thank you for being here, Dr. Pérez.
Dr. Mariana Pérez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The recent revelations about the meetings between the National Prosecutor, Ángel Valencia, and lawyer Juan Pablo Hermosilla have raised significant eyebrows. Can you clarify the implications of these interactions?
Dr. Pérez: Absolutely. The interactions suggest a concerning relationship between prosecutors and some legal representatives that could undermine the trust in the judicial process. If it turns out that Valencia promised to provide information regarding cases linked to former president Sebastián Piñera, it raises serious ethical questions about the independence of the prosecution.
Editor: Right. And now we’ve seen various voices within the ruling party pushing to have Valencia removed from his position. Deputy Jaime Naranjo’s comments suggest that this is more than just a political maneuver; he believes Valencia’s credibility is at stake. What do you think will happen next?
Dr. Pérez: I think we’re at a critical juncture. If the Supreme Court receives the signatures to initiate proceedings for Valencia’s removal, it could set a precedent regarding accountability in the judiciary. Naranjo’s assertion that Valencia has been “untruthful” calls into question the integrity that is essential for the role he occupies. A decision from the court will likely influence not only Valencia’s future but also the public’s perception of the judicial system.
Editor: There’s certainly a lot at stake here. What do you think the impact of such a removal might be on the National Prosecutor’s Office and its ongoing cases?
Dr. Pérez: A removal would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the office. It might create a ripple effect where other prosecutors feel the need to reevaluate their conduct and association with legal representatives. Furthermore, ongoing investigations, especially those concerning high-profile figures like Piñera, could be stalled as the new prosecutor would need time to familiarize themselves with the cases.
Editor: Speaking of high-profile cases, how critical do you think the political motive is in this situation? Do you feel that the push to remove Valencia is genuinely about judicial integrity, or does it also serve political interests?
Dr. Pérez: That’s a nuanced question. While there is an undeniable political element—especially given the precarious nature of alliances and power within the ruling party—the cries for integrity and accountability cannot be dismissed. Many politicians also understand that a judiciary perceived as compromised could jeopardize their credibility. However, we also have to be wary of opportunism in the name of ‘cleaning house.’
Editor: It sounds like we should brace for a potentially tumultuous period ahead in Chilean politics. If you had to sum up the key takeaway from this situation for our audience, what would it be?
Dr. Pérez: I would say that this situation is a wake-up call for the entire judicial system. The checks and balances need to be upheld to preserve public trust. Both the judiciary and legislative bodies should prioritize transparency and integrity over political gains. This is a pivotal moment for accountability in governance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Pérez, for your insights. It’s clear that the coming days will be critical, and we look forward to seeing how this story unfolds.
Dr. Pérez: Thank you for having me. I look forward to discussing its developments further as they occur.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed as we continue to cover this evolving story.