Consortium case: An audio recording exposed the corruption network that manipulates justice

César Siles's resignation from the Ministry of Justice has caused an unprecedented judicial scandal. An audio recording released publicly reveals a conversation between the former minister and the Coroico judge, Marcelo Lea Plaza. In the recording, Siles can be heard giving instructions to remove magistrate Fanny Coaquira.

The magistrate was elected by popular vote representing the department of La Paz. The content reveals a network of pressure and manipulation at the highest levels of the judicial system.

The conversation, recorded on Judge Lea Plaza's cellphone, is now key evidence in the investigation. The judge's defense confirmed that the phone is being held by the FELCC and is in the possession of the Public Prosecutor's Office.

In the audio, Siles promises political backing and judicial protection to carry out the removal. Phrases such as "this has been discussed at a very high level" suggest covert coordination. The Prosecutor's Office, however, claims to be unaware of the existence of the material.

Consortium case

Judge Lea Plaza was arrested on June 12 in La Paz with the removal resolution in his possession. Two days later, former minister Siles submitted a resignation letter to President Luis Arce.

The document was released by Siles himself through his social media. In it, he argues that his departure is a decision to preserve his image. Nevertheless, the scandal had already taken hold in public opinion.

Jurist Zuleika Lanza, the judge's attorney, denounced political persecution against her client. She states that the judge has requested to give an expanded statement to explain the facts.

However, she keeps that the FELCC has closed access to its facilities and is blocking the testimony. She also denounced that her client's rights have been violated. So far, there is no official statement justifying such a measure.

The content of the audio reveals details about the plan to remove Coaquira. Siles mentions that he has already spoken with Dr. Campero and other authorities. The objective was for attorney Juan Campero to take the position as substitute.

According to the defense, even an additional four years of service may have been promised to Judge Claudia Castro. Castro was the one who drafted the resolution used by the Coroico judge.

A blow to democracy

The reaction of the Supreme Court of Justice was swift. Its president, Romer Saucedo Gómez, described the event as an attack on institutional integrity. He stated that full support will be given to the elected magistrate.

He also announced that they will pursue all possible legal consequences. The statement was issued through the Judicial News Agency. He made it clear that acts that violate the will of the people will not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, the Prosecutor's Office has distanced itself from the case. In a statement, it asserted that it did not release the audio attributed to Siles. It indicated that it doesn't know its origin or authenticity.

The statement was published on Sunday night, after the widespread dissemination of the material. They did not mention whether a formal investigation would be opened.

The recording also includes troubling details about the power structure. Siles promises the judge support in the Constitutional Court to validate the resolution.

He also mentions that everything is being moved to guarantee that outcome. That statement implies coordination to influence future judicial decisions. Everything suggests a pattern of manipulation and prior agreements.

Minister's resignation

In the resignation letter, Siles stated that he has no criminal or administrative proceedings. He indicated that his decision seeks to prevent rumors from being used as an excuse to destabilize the government. He also asserted that his record is impeccable.

However, to date, he has not publicly denied the content of the audio. His silence raises further doubts about his direct involvement.

The release of the audio was attributed to an official from the La Paz Prosecutor's Office who decided to hand it over, considering that Siles was part of a judicial consortium. The objective would have been to take control of the Supreme Court of Justice.

To that end, they planned the removal of Fanny Coaquira through the Coroico judge. The events coincide with the sequence of arrests and resignations.

Judge Lea Plaza was arrested before the audio became public. Later, the president of the TDJ of La Paz, Iván Córdova, was also arrested. Everything indicates that the key pieces of this plan have begun to fall.

Even so, the Prosecutor's Office has not issued any formal charges. This shows that this discovery only seems to be the tip of the iceberg, because MAS-aligned justice operates in a special way in the country.

MAS-aligned justice

Various social and political sectors have already demanded a thorough investigation. The manipulation of justice undermines democracy and the rule of law. The opposition has held MAS responsible for creating networks of judicial control.

They denounce that justice is used as a political tool. For government critics, this case reveals the true face of the so-called "judicial renewal." They assert that there is no independence in rulings or respect for the citizens' vote.

Magistrate Coaquira was elected by the people and her removal was ordered by phone. If the authenticity of the audio is confirmed, it would prove a mafia-like structure within the system.