Punta Arenas Court Issues Sentences in Family Violence and Ex‑Health Official Cases

A court in Punta Arenas sentenced a man for family‑violence assault and possession of 14.8 grams of marijuana. The defendant, who had attacked his former partner in public and at a residence in early April, was convicted of lesser‑severity assault after the judge rejected a femicide charge. He was released under national restraining orders and a ban on contacting the victim while the court prepares a final sentence.

In a separate case, former Magallanes health regional secretary Fabián Barrientos Andrade was formally charged with rape. The judge also imposed national restraining and a prohibition on approaching the alleged victim, rejecting a request for night‑time house arrest. The investigation will continue for 120 days to complete forensic examinations.