Movement stokes judge, prosecutor row in ex official’s embezzlement case

Santo Domingo.- The Civic Movement Citizens against Corruption on Monday filed a complaint against judge Margarita Cristo, for alleged disciplinary misconduct in the hearing where of preliminary investigation in the money laundering and embezzlement case against former Public Works minister Víctor Díaz Rúa.

Movement member Josefina Juan said the Instruction Judge committed several irregularities at the hearing on May 2, including ruling on the prosecution’s challenge to her very impartiality.

She said Cristo’s misconduct was also evident when she stated that all parties in the case were duly subpoenaed, “flatly refusing to show proof of any notification."

Cristo has already stepped aside from the case and lodged a complaint on contempt of court against National District prosecutor Yeni Berenice Reynoso.

There’s no definite date to continue the case against Diaz Rua, and now awaits the designation of a judge to replace Cristo.