Justice rejects dismissal of Simoca priest accused of abuse, citing overwhelming evidence

The case against priest Pablo Valdez, accused of sexually abusing a minor under 16, has moved forward after Judge Mario Velázquez rejected a request for dismissal. The new prosecutor, Gerardo Salas, had argued that a “relationship of courtship or loving affective bond” existed between the 54-year-old priest and the 16-year-old victim. However, Judge Velázquez found the evidence against this claim to be “undisturbed” and “overwhelming,” leading to the rejection of the dismissal request.

Luciana Gramaglio, the victim’s lawyer, stated that the judge described the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s actions as “manifestly arbitrary,” “superficial,” and influenced by a “confirmation bias.” The judge also warned that the actions of the prosecutor’s office constitute a pattern of institutional violence and revictimization. Gramaglio emphasized that the dismissal request compromises Argentina’s international responsibility under treaties such as Belém do Pará, CEDAW, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The abuse reportedly began when the victim, who was 14 at the time, sought spiritual help from the Church due to bullying at school. At age 16, the priest began making sexual requests. The case came to light in 2022 when the victim’s parents, along with neighbors, attempted to lynch Valdez at the parish. The priest had already been suspended by the Catholic Church following the complaint.

This is not the first time the Public Prosecutor’s Office has sought to dismiss the case. The case faced two previous attempts at filing by the first prosecutor, Eugenia Posse. When the victim reached the age of majority, accompanied by her lawyer, the case was refiled. The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges in securing justice for victims of abuse, particularly within religious institutions.

The legal proceedings underscore the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to protect the vulnerable. The case also raises concerns about the integrity of the judicial process and the potential for institutional bias. As the case moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the victim’s voice is heard and that justice is served.

The story reflects the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us to “uphold the rights of the poor and the oppressed,” a principle that should guide both legal and moral responses to abuse. The pursuit of truth and fairness in this case aligns with the broader call to seek justice and care for those who are harmed.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)