Ángela Vivanco: Defensa Apunta a Otros Ministros en Caso 'Muñeca Bielorrusa'

A former Supreme Court minister in Chile, Ángela Vivanco, is facing continued scrutiny in a case involving alleged bribery and money laundering, known as ‘Muñeca Bielorrusa’ (Belarusian Doll). A new hearing took place this Thursday as part of the formalization process against her.

Defense Strategy Focuses on Collective Decision-Making

During Thursday’s proceedings, the defense team, led by attorney Jorge Valladares, presented its arguments ahead of a planned ruling on preventative measures for Vivanco, scheduled for Friday, January 30th. A key element of the defense centers on the assertion that the initial decision triggering the investigation – a protective resource granted by the Supreme Court in 2023 to Consorcio Belza Movitec SpA against Codelco – was not solely attributable to Vivanco.

Did You Know? The legal action that initiated this investigation was a protective resource filed by Consorcio Belza Movitec SpA against Codelco in 2023.

Valladares emphasized that the decision involved five justices of the Supreme Court, stating, “It’s a vote of a chamber of the highest court. I ask myself, do they listen to what they are saying? Because, ultimately, when you have a person, however much they may have presided, there are five, there are four other members of the court.”

Concerns Raised About Objectivity

The defense also questioned the principle of objectivity in the investigation, defining it as a process that should consider evidence both for and against the accused. Valladares suggested a potential bias, implying that the investigation has been singularly focused on Ángela Vivanco despite the collective nature of the initial court decision.

Expert Insight: The defense’s strategy of highlighting the collective nature of the initial court decision suggests an attempt to dilute individual responsibility and raise questions about the impartiality of the investigation. This approach could be aimed at creating reasonable doubt regarding the focus on Vivanco specifically.

Vivanco is currently being held “in transit” at a special module within the San Joaquín Women’s Penitentiary. The preventative measures that will govern her situation are expected to be determined on Friday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges is Ángela Vivanco facing?

Ángela Vivanco is being investigated for the crimes of bribery and money laundering in connection with the case known as ‘Muñeca Bielorrusa.’

Who is representing Ángela Vivanco in this case?

Attorney Jorge Valladares is leading the defense team representing Ángela Vivanco.

What was the key argument presented by the defense on Thursday?

The defense argued that the initial decision that triggered the investigation was made by five justices of the Supreme Court, not solely by Ángela Vivanco.

As the court deliberates on preventative measures, what impact might the defense’s arguments have on the direction of the investigation and the potential outcomes for those involved?

Ángela Vivanco: Defensa Apunta a Otros Ministros en Caso ‘Muñeca Bielorrusa’