Río Negro court blocks appeal to Supreme Court in Techo Digno case

The Superior Tribunal of Justice (STJ) of Río Negro has unanimously rejected federal extraordinary appeals filed by the defenses of former Cipolletti mayor Abel Baratti and national deputy Aníbal Tortoriello. The defendants sought to have the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation review the ‘Techo Digno’ case, which involves allegations of fraudulent administration and embezzlement.

The provincial court ruled that the decisions being appealed—specifically regarding nullities and judicial recusals—do not constitute a ‘final sentence,’ which is a mandatory requirement to trigger Supreme Court intervention. Consequently, the criminal proceedings will continue its ordinary course within the province.

The STJ also dismissed arguments regarding the statute of limitations. The tribunal clarified that issues concerning the passage of time, legal classification of facts, and criminal responsibility are currently being processed through provincial channels. Furthermore, the judges noted that the defendants used ‘manifestly improper’ nullity incidents that do not interrupt legal deadlines.