Former Prosecutor Porras Testifies for More Than Five Hours in Suitcases Case and is Released
Former anti-narcotics prosecutor Julio César Porras testified before the Public Ministry in the Suitcases case. His lawyer stated there are no elements against him.
Porras Released After More Than Five Hours of Testimony in Suitcases Case
Former anti-narcotics prosecutor Julio César Porras appeared on Tuesday evening before the Public Ministry as a witness in the Suitcases case, according to El Deber. His statement lasted more than five hours at the fiscal premises.
After concluding the proceedings, defence attorney Fernando Acevedo ruled out any charges against his client. "My client is free because there is absolutely nothing against him," Acevedo stated to the media. The lawyer clarified that Porras responded to the Public Ministry's first summons, answered all questions and provided the information he had about the case.
Porras himself avoided revealing details of his testimony and asked for the investigation's confidentiality to be respected. "I have given everything I have to give and I will always give it," he stated briefly on his way out, adding his willingness to continue collaborating with the Public Ministry.
Acevedo explained that the investigation seeks to clarify the entry of more than 30 suitcases into Bolivia on a charter flight from the United States. He also noted that the possibility of further summonses would depend on the progress made by investigative proceedings, and that it is the responsibility of the assigned prosecutor to report on those results.
The day included the appearances of three other summoned individuals: Mauricio Requena, former adviser to then-president of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) Rómer Saucedo; Aldo Quezada, former president of the Departmental Court of Justice (TDJ) of Santa Cruz; and Delmy Guzmán, former prosecutor who was in charge of the functional direction of the investigation into the case.
Unlike Porras, Requena moved from witness to accused and was arrested after giving his statement, according to his lawyer Ericka Oroza's confirmation.
The appearances form part of the Public Ministry's proceedings to determine the circumstances of the transfer and entry of the suitcases into the country and to establish possible criminal responsibilities within the case.
Source: El Deber