Senasa Case: Judicial decision on former prosecutor Aurelio Valdez to be announced this Wednesday
The First Instruction Court of the National District has scheduled for this Wednesday the reading of the decision regarding the Public Ministry’s request to send former prosecutor Aurelio Valdez to a substantive trial. The process is linked to an investigation into alleged irregularities at the National Health Insurance (Senasa).
Magistrate Raymundo Mejía has scheduled the hearing for 11:30 in the morning, at which time the procedural future of the former official will be determined, following the conclusion this Monday of the preliminary phase debates where all involved parties presented their arguments.
Accusations against Valdez
The Public Prosecutor’s Office bases its accusation on Valdez’s alleged participation in serious illicit acts, which include:
- The receipt of an alleged bribe amounting to 10,000 dollars.
- Operations linked to money laundering derived from the embezzlement case at Senasa.
Arguments of the defense and the Public Prosecutor’s Office
The legal representation of Aurelio Valdez, led by attorney Valentín Medrano, has requested that the court issue a dismissal order (auto de no ha lugar). The defense argues that fundamental criminal guarantees have been violated during the course of the investigation, questioning the validity of various procedures included in the current case file.
The defense believes that these allegations must be taken into account before the court decides whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial.
For its part, the prosecution maintains a firm stance. Prosecutor Eduardo Velázquez defended the strength of the evidence provided, ensuring that the file meets all the legal requirements demanded for the case to be heard in a full trial. Expectations are now focused on the resolution that Judge Mejía will issue this Wednesday.
