Criminal prosecution judge Axel López has been cleared of misconduct charges cleared to the release of reoffending criminals under his charge, and will be able to continue in his post following a jury decision in the magistrate’s favour.
In today’s hearing to dismiss López, three members of the panel voted for his removal while three voted against. In order to dismiss a judge five jury members must vote, meaning the official was cleared to continue practicing.
The misconduct charges are related to the magistrate’s decision to grant parole to Juan Ernesto Caberza, who had been sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of four counts of rape.
Family members of the victims were present at the hearing as the verdict was announced, and expressed their anger as López avoided dismissal thanks to the split jury decision.
«Demanding justice is impossible in Argentina,» fired Viviam Perrone, of the Pained Mothers group which brings together victims.
«Now we will be following Axel López’s every step and we hope he sits down to work, and that this will help him reflect and look at cases properly.»
Source: Buenos Aires Herald