Cathy Barriga faces judicial setback as court allows Contraloría experts in trial

The Ninth Guarantee Court of Santiago has rejected a request from the defense of former Maipú Mayor Cathy Barriga to exclude experts from the Comptroller General of the Republic from her upcoming oral trial.

Barriga is accused of multiple crimes, including fraud against the public treasury, embezzlement of public funds, falsification of public instruments, and incompatible negotiation. If convicted, she faces a potential prison sentence of 23 years.

The court ruled that the specialists may testify to explain findings regarding alleged irregularities during her administration. Additionally, the court allowed the inclusion of evidence related to Joaquín Lavín León, including emails and communications regarding municipal hiring and firing decisions, though it granted a request to exclude him as a witness.

The trial preparation phase is expected to conclude this week, after which a date for the oral trial will be set. Barriga is currently under nighttime house arrest and national travel restrictions.