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BOLIVIA

Judicial mafia: Audio implicates the Attorney General, but Mariaca ruled out his resignation

'I have no reason to resign,' Roger Mariaca expressed his concern and annoyance when asked by a journalist

Attorney General Roger Mariaca was mentioned in the audio that exposed institutionalized corruption in the judiciary. The recording reveals coordination between authorities to suspend a TSJ magistrate. Despite this, Mariaca denied any connection to the case and ruled out his resignation.

The MAS authority reaffirmed his innocence during a press conference in Santa Cruz. According to him, despite the audio, there is no link whatsoever to the investigated network.

The case, called Consorcio, exposed the modus operandi of judicial manipulation. The objective would have been to disqualify Fanny Coaquira, magistrate of the Supreme Court of Justice. Her place would be taken by her substitute, Iván Campero.

In the audio, former minister César Siles is heard speaking with Judge Fernando Lea Plaza. The conversation points to coordinated action from high levels.

Mariaca insisted that his name was used without any basis. He assured that the prosecutors investigating have his full confidence. "I have no reason to resign", he declared angrily when questioned by the press.

The authority appears concerned

Man with glasses and a dark jacket speaking at a press conference with microphones and official flags in the background
He ruled out his resignation | La Derecha Diario

He accused the media of distorting his role. He asked that justice be allowed to act without external pressure.

Judge Lea Plaza was sent to pretrial detention for six months. Former magistrate Claudia Castro was also detained at the COF of Obrajes. Both are identified as key operators of the network.

Additionally, the Prosecutor's Office issued an arrest warrant against Siles. The case was declared confidential for ten days.

In his statements, Lea Plaza claimed to have been pressured to act against Coaquira. He mentioned meetings with judicial and executive authorities. He said it had already been decided that Campero would assume the position.

Among the names he gave are Siles, Castro, and Campero. These accounts fuel suspicions about a larger structure.

Mariaca is mentioned in the audio

Gray-haired woman with glasses speaking at a podium with a microphone and flags in the background
Senator, Silvia Salame | La Derecha Diario

Mariaca doesn't appear as part of the arrest warrants to date. Even so, his name is mentioned in the leaked audio. In this situation, Senator Silvia Salame requested that he take a leave of absence.

She demanded the same for Baptista and Torrez, who were also mentioned. According to Salame, any conflict of interest must be avoided.

The legislator indicated that the president of the Council of the Magistracy must also step aside. She justified her request based on the seriousness of the facts revealed.

Salame stated that it doesn't matter whether the audios are true or not. While the investigation is ongoing, they must step aside. The priority, she affirmed, is to restore institutional credibility.

Meanwhile, Mariaca defended his permanence in office. He said he is not obliged to resign without evidence.

In his view, it would be an unnecessary concession. He stated that leaving would harm the investigation. He reiterated that he has nothing to hide.

Institutionalized mafia

Short-haired, gray-bearded man wearing a white jersey while speaking and gesturing in an indoor setting with plants in the background
We believe Assembly Member, Svonko Matković | La Derecha Diario

Zvonko Matković, a Creemos assembly member, warned of a larger plan. According to him, the aim is to ensure future impunity for certain actors. He accused Siles of not acting alone in this case.

He asserted that the network benefited others who are more powerful. He said that the chosen judges would guarantee protection.

For Matković, the scandal exposes an attempt to capture the justice system. The idea would be to place operators in strategic positions. From there, they could shield acts of corruption.

He stated that the audio clearly mentions Mariaca. He demanded an investigation without privileges.

The attorney general replied by pointing out that the audio doesn't prove his guilt. He said that the mentions do not imply participation. He called for prudence and respect for due process.

He insisted that he is cooperating with the investigation. He reaffirmed his confidence in the prosecutorial team.

The investigation continues

Two men in suits pose together holding a document at a formal event with flags in the background.
Mariaca was sworn in by the MAS regime | La Derecha Diario

The Public Ministry confirmed that there are other individuals under investigation. Among them are Córdova and Uriarte.

The resignation of Siles as minister was also confirmed. The departure of Castro and Córdova was accepted. The network would have multiple ramifications.

The initial complaint was filed by the TSJ's Transparency Unit. It arose after the controversial audio became known.

The Prosecutor's Office assures that the investigation has been expanded. It will not be limited to recordings, but will include testimonies. More information is expected after the confidential period.

Mariaca appeared nervous before the media, but reiterated that he will not leave his post without legal cause. He asked the public not to fall into speculation.

Finally, the authority thanked some judicial sectors for their support. He promised that the truth will prevail over the scandal.

➡️ Bolivia

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