The trial related to the Odebrecht case has been suspended following a request from the defense attorneys, who sought the appearance of international witnesses to ask necessary questions in defense of their client. The decision was made by the Court of Justice, responding to the petition from the lawyers to interrogate international witnesses, including a Peruvian collaborator and eight Brazilians, within the framework of the judicial process.
Prosecutor Ruth Morcillo supported the measure, arguing that the presence of the witnesses guarantees the right to cross-examine the defendants. She emphasized that the statements of the collaborators are part of the file and were obtained under international judicial assistance, granting them validity. However, she stressed the importance of questioning these witnesses directly to avoid potential legal claims in the future, even at the international level.
The judge in charge of the case, Baloisa Marquinez, set new dates for the hearing: from November 11 to December 19, 2025, as the first option, and from January 12 to February 13, 2026, as an alternate date. During this time, efforts will continue to secure the appearance of the international witnesses, whose testimonies are essential for both parties in the trial.
The Odebrecht case has been one of the biggest corruption scandals in Latin America. With this new suspension, concerns arise about the delays in a process that should set a precedent in the fight against corruption in the country. The Public Ministry and the court claim to be dedicating all necessary efforts to advance the case and ensure a fair trial.
