Threats to journalist: Lawyer will remain in prison ahead of preliminary hearing

A judge has ruled that lawyer Zully Ortiz and her friend Evelin Paredes will continue to be held in pretrial detention. The decision came after the two women requested their release, having served the minimum six-month sentence. Their defense argued for a less severe measure, proposing surveillance and personal bail.

However, the prosecution objected to the request. Prosecutor Ruth Benítez argued that it is necessary to ensure the women's appearance at the upcoming preliminary hearing, scheduled for August 10. The case involves alleged threats against journalist Carlos Benítez, stemming from publications related to a "paycheck mafia."

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It is not viable to grant such a request, as both defendants are accused of a series of criminal offenses and it is necessary to ensure their submission, especially considering that the preliminary hearing has already been set for August 10 of this year.

The judge cited the "real concurrence of criminal offenses" and the potential for sentences to exceed the minimum as reasons to maintain detention. He also noted that Ortiz is a lawyer and Paredes is a public official, adding an extra layer to the alleged conduct. The prosecution had previously accused Ortiz and Paredes of coercion and threats, seeking a trial.

This legal battle highlights the ongoing investigation into alleged threats against a journalist. The court's decision to keep the accused in detention underscores the seriousness with which the case is being treated, aiming to guarantee the judicial process moves forward.

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There is a real concurrence of criminal offenses and that according to legal doctrine, the penalty they could receive or not could even exceed what is established, since on the one hand Zully Ortiz is a professional lawyer and the defendant Evelin Paredes is a public official, in that context it would be an additional status to the conduct attributed to her, for which it is opportune to maintain the measure of preventive detention.