Medinaceli leaves police cells: "Difficult days, but I am not leaving, I am here for any investigation"

Former Minister of Hydrocarbons Mauricio Medinaceli has been released from police cells and placed under house arrest after three days of detention related to the 'dirty gasoline' case. Medinaceli appeared in a virtual hearing for precautionary measures, where he declared his innocence and reiterated his focus on Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), the state oil company.

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In principle, I want to thank all the friends who expressed their support, thank the family, because they were difficult days, no doubt, but I felt the support of everyone.

Upon his release, Medinaceli expressed gratitude for the support he received, acknowledging the difficult days he endured. He repeated his assertion that his return to Bolivia from Colombia was for work purposes and that the authorization he signed pertained to the unstuffing of YPFB tanks for gasoline stabilization, not for its commercial sale. "From the time I was questioned in the Assembly and later, when I was summoned twice as a witness, until now, I am present for any investigation that may be desired. I am not leaving; the goal is to clarify the facts and find the truth," he told reporters.

Medinaceli recounted that he returned to the country to work, having previously been employed in Colombia. He stated his intention was to address fuel subsidies, which he claimed was achieved, and then work on legislation. However, he noted that the problems, including the 'dirty gasoline' that damaged many vehicles, subsequently arose. "And well, that's life, I'm going - to my home - with a lot of work to do," he added.

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I returned to the country to work, I was working in Colombia, I was there very calmly, my family was there, I came here with the challenge of removing the subsidy, that was achieved at the time, and then I was working on the law, but then the problems that you all know came - the dirty gasoline that ruined many cars - and well, that's life, I'm going - to my home - with a lot of work to do.

In addition to house arrest, the court ordered Medinaceli to be prohibited from leaving the country and set a bail of 100,000 Bolivianos. He must also report to the Prosecutor's Office weekly. Furthermore, he is forbidden from visiting the offices of any involved institutions and from communicating with witnesses, experts, or other parties in the case. The case involves allegations of importing contaminated gasoline that caused damage to numerous vehicles across Bolivia.

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From the time I was questioned in the Assembly and later, when I was summoned twice as a witness, until now, I am present for any investigation that may be desired. I am not leaving; the goal is to clarify the facts and find the truth.