Councillor for La Libertad Avanza in Bragado remanded in custody on drug-trafficking charges
Germán Díaz, libertarian councillor in Bragado, will remain detained whilst the investigation into drug trafficking in the Mercedes Judicial Department proceeds.
Remand in custody confirmed for libertarian councillor Germán Díaz
The courts have confirmed the remand in custody of Germán Díaz, councillor for La Libertad Avanza in Bragado, who is accused of involvement in drug trafficking, according to tn.com.ar. The case is being handled by the Mercedes Judicial Department, and the councillor will remain detained whilst the investigation continues.
Defence lawyer Rafael Acuña is considering filing an appeal with the Criminal Court of Cassation in an attempt to overturn the remand order. Among the alternatives being considered by the defence is the possibility that Díaz could serve his remand in custody under house arrest at his residence in O'Brien, a town in Bragado district.
To assess this proposal, the courts have ordered a socio-environmental report on the conditions of the residence. One of the defence's arguments is that the councillor is responsible for the care of his mother, who is 90 years old.
Consequences in the Deliberative Council
The judicial situation is having repercussions in the local legislative sphere. After obtaining a 30-day leave of absence following his detention, the Deliberative Council of Bragado will need to proceed with proceedings regarding Díaz's suspension and define the institutional steps to resolve his future.
This debate is compounded by a controversy over who should occupy his seat. La Libertad Avanza are pushing for the position to be assigned to Maximiliano Moragas, on the grounds of applying gender parity criteria. The Peronist ruling party, meanwhile, support Sabrina Gulino continuing in the role, who currently holds the position provisionally and also appeared on the 2023 electoral list.
The dispute has created divisions within the libertarian bloc and raised questions about the future composition of the council. According to reports in local media, Gulino is said to have considered leaving the bloc to form one of her own. The Council has also established a special commission to monitor the judicial proceedings. Fuerza Patria have emphasised the need to distinguish between political and criminal responsibilities, and highlighted that the presumption of innocence and due process must be respected.
The search that prompted the investigation
The investigation began following a search at Díaz's residence, where police seized cocaine residue, a precision scale, and items that, according to the investigation, may have been used for the splitting or adulteration of drugs.
Following this operation, the councillor was placed at the disposal of the UFI No. 7 of the Mercedes Judicial Department, which is conducting the investigation into alleged drug trafficking. After giving a statement to the courts, Díaz remained held at a police station in 25 de Mayo whilst awaiting a place in a Buenos Aires prison facility.
The courts rejected the bail application submitted by the defence, which had argued that the accused had a known address and community ties. From the outset of the proceedings, the official has denied the charges against him.
With remand in custody confirmed, the investigation will continue its course in Mercedes whilst the defence explores new avenues of appeal and the Deliberative Council resolves Díaz's institutional situation and the dispute over libertarian representation in the chamber.
Source: Google News AR — Buenos Aires