Chilean Judge Under Investigation for International Travel During Medical Leave
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Supreme Court probe examines potential misconduct by officials who left the country while on psychiatric leave, raising questions about accountability within the Judicial Branch.
Santiago, Chile – A widening investigation by the Chilean Supreme Court is focusing on Daniel Urrutia Laubreaux, a magistrate of the Seventh Guarantee Court of Santiago, and hundreds of other judicial officials who allegedly traveled internationally while on medical leave. The probe, directed by judicial prosecutor Macarena Troncoso López, stems from a report revealing widespread departures from the country during periods of officially sanctioned medical absence.
Expanding Investigation Uncovers Hundreds of Cases
The investigation began following a document from the Comptroller’s Office, prompting the Supreme Court to instruct its Judicial Prosecutor’s Office to gather comprehensive information on the matter. A review conducted with the support of the Investigative Police (PDI) and the Internal Comptroller of the Administrative Corporation of the Judiciary identified a total of 1,029 departures over a five-year period, linked to 692 officials of the Judicial Branch. Of those officials, 571 remain active in their positions.
The scope of the investigation extends beyond lower court judges. While no ministers or prosecutors of the Supreme Court are implicated, the list includes 4 ministers and 1 judicial prosecutor of the Courts of Appeals, alongside 84 judges, including Urrutia.
Urrutia’s Travel Raises Scrutiny
Specifically, Urrutia’s case centers around two international trips: one in January 2020 to San José, Costa Rica, and another in October 2022 to Tena, Ecuador. Both trips occurred while he was on psychiatric leave, reportedly due to work stress and conflicts with superiors.
During the January 2020 trip, Urrutia participated in a hearing before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR), related to a lawsuit he filed against the Chilean State alleging violations of his fundamental rights as a magistrate. The October 2022 trip to Ecuador, undertaken while on leave since June of that year and suspended from the “First Line” case, is described by those close to the judge as being for therapeutic purposes, with alternative therapies recommended by his physician.
Defense Claims Documentation Supports Travel
Carlos Quezada, Urrutia’s lawyer, stated to Mega Investigates that “all medical treatment history” has been submitted to the investigation, and that both trips are supported by documentation from his treating professional.
However, sources close to the case suggest that potential offenses may be statute-barred, given that the trips occurred three and five years ago. Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the impartiality of prosecutor Troncoso, with some suggesting she should be disqualified due to her name appearing in conversations between Luis Hermosilla and Antonio Ulloa.
The unfolding situation highlights growing concerns about oversight and accountability within Chile’s Judicial Branch, as the Supreme Court navigates a complex investigation with potentially far-reaching consequences.
