Fernando Paredes bribery trial suspended due to witness health

The bribery trial against former Puerto Natales mayor Fernando Paredes has been temporarily suspended. The decision follows a medical leave issued to a key witness from the Investigative Police (PDI) after they experienced health complications during their testimony.

Defense attorney Juan Carlos Rebolledo criticized the prosecution's case as “weak and feeble,” arguing that central details such as specific amounts, dates, and recipients of the alleged bribes have not been clarified. The defense also noted that expert reports on the involved company showed no records of irregular payments.

The court rejected a request from the Public Ministry to allow the witness to continue testifying via Zoom from Santiago, upholding the defense's demand for in-person testimony to ensure equality between parties. Hearings are scheduled to resume in late August at the Punta Arenas Oral Court.