2024-08-01 03:05:43
Judge Javier de la Cadena, who is part of the Specialized Criminal Chamber of the National Court of Justice of Ecuador, decided on the requests to change the precautionary measures of former legislator Pablo Muentes Alarcón and other defendants in the Purga case.
During the hearing, held on the afternoon of Saturday, July 6, 2024, the judge rejected Muentes’ request for release, but requested more details about his medical condition.
At the hearing, the judge decided that the former Christian Social legislator should remain in prison before the trial, because no new reasons or evidence were presented to justify changing the previous decision.
The defense argued and presented evidence, such as statements and documents on the Banco del Pacífico case, which they said showed that their client had not received any financial benefits.
However, these were considered insufficient to change the current rule.
Alternative measures for former judge
The judge agreed to change the precautionary measures for Nelson Ponce Murillo.
This refers to one of the Guayas judges who was dismissed on June 14 due to the corruption scandal in the Purga and Metastasis cases.
Ponce Murillo will be released from prison with different conditions, such as not being able to travel outside the country and having to go to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Guayas every week to obtain information.
Regarding Muentes’ health, the judge requested that the Ministry of Public Health and the Comprehensive Care System for Persons Deprived of Liberty (SNAI) send reports within 72 hours on whether he has received adequate medical care.
This decision was made after the defense reported problems in receiving medical care and difficulties in exercising their right to be defended without interference.
By: Ecuador Live