Senator Karol Cariola defended her actions on Tuesday regarding the "Chinamart" case, asserting that her involvement was strictly limited to an administrative inquiry. The lawmaker provided voluntary testimony to authorities to clarify her role in the process.
According to reports from cnnchile.com, the legislator rejected any allegations of seeking personal gain or exceeding her official duties. The investigation was launched after messages were discovered between Cariola and Santiago's former mayor, Irací Hassler, regarding the status of a Chinese national.
The senator explained that her contact with the former municipal official was intended to obtain information regarding the permit renewal for a business owned by Bo Yang, an acquaintance of hers. However, the senator emphasized that she has maintained total transparency throughout the proceedings.
Response to PDI report
In an interview with Radio Biobío, the senator addressed the report from the Investigative Police (PDI) linking her to the case. Cariola downplayed the police's preliminary findings, noting that only the judiciary has the authority to determine legal responsibility.
“The PDI cannot reach conclusions because it is a court that determines whether a crime has been committed,” the senator stated, according to cnnchile.com.
The lawmaker also emphasized her cooperation with justice officials to dispel any misinterpretations. Regarding this, she maintained: “I testified voluntarily, and I opened my bank accounts voluntarily because I have nothing to hide.”
The Chinamart case is unfolding alongside the investigation known as the Sierra Bella case. The senator reiterated that her actions did not exceed her legal authority and were focused solely on inquiring about an administrative procedure.
