Esteban Samaniego Case: After 18 months of delays and sanctions, hearing held

After 18 months of procedural delays and sanctions against the accused, a preliminary hearing has finally commenced for Patricia Corvalán, the former mayor of Quyquyhó, and others implicated in the alleged embezzlement of G. 1.109 billion from the municipality. Corvalán, wife of Congressman Esteban Samaniego, appeared before Judge Humberto Otazú.

Also present were Samaniego's mother, Blanca Álvarez, and mayoral candidate Mercedes Medina, both of whom had previously been sanctioned for employing delaying tactics. Prosecutor Silvio Corbeta read the charges, which include alleged diversion of municipal funds to renovate the residence of Corvalán and Congressman Samaniego.

Corbeta stated that Blanca Álvarez played a crucial role, as she presented the construction plans to the Municipality of Asunción and paid the associated fees and taxes for the property where the house was built. "Blanca Álvarez's participation is important, widow of Samaniego, because without this contribution, the construction of the residence of her son Esteban Samaniego and Patricia Corvalán would not have been possible through the diversion of municipal funds," the prosecutor said.

The hearing is scheduled to continue for several days, with eleven defendants in total. The judge had to impose sanctions on defense lawyers and order house arrest with electronic monitoring for six defendants to advance the proceedings. Among the accused are Manuel Olazar and Andrés Alfredo Arrúa Brítez, a construction businessman and friend of Samaniego, who allegedly monopolized municipal construction projects during Corvalán's tenure. Other defendants face charges including administration for the benefit of others and criminal association.