Intense defense arguments in the trial of the "cocktails" case involving Keiko Fujimori

In the context of the trial of the "cocktails" case, involving the leader of Fuerza Popular, Keiko Fujimori, as well as other defendants such as Jaime Yoshiyama, José Chlimper, and several businessmen and former party members, intense defense arguments have been presented by the lawyers of the accused. In front of the judges of the Third National Collegiate Criminal Court, the defense attorneys admitted the existence of simulated, irregular, or unaccounted for contributions in the electoral campaigns of 2011 and 2016, but questioned whether these constitute an illegal act or money laundering. The lawyers emphasized that, despite the questioned contributions, it cannot be proven that these resources had an illicit origin or that they were destined for the personal wealth of the accused. Giulliana Loza, Keiko Fujimori's defense attorney, argued that the prosecution's arguments have not been able to prove the crime of money laundering, and that the accusation is based on misconceptions of the facts. Humberto Abanto, on behalf of Jaime Yoshiyama, emphasized that the alleged simulated contributions did not cause economic harm and questioned the lack of concrete evidence to support the accusations. Abanto pointed out that the criminal process must undergo a rigorous analysis of the facts, and in this case, the existence of a money laundering offense has not been demonstrated. José Chlimper's lawyer, Gonzalo del Río, highlighted that his client was not directly involved in the receipt or management of the questioned contributions, and that the accusations lack solid grounds to support the charges. Additionally, Percy Cavero, representing Arsenio Oré Guardia, criticized the lack of precision in the prosecution's accusation and the introduction of new elements during the trial. Representing Fuerza Popular, lawyer Christian Salas questioned the lack of clarity in the accusation and the absence of compelling evidence linking the accused to money laundering or obstruction of justice crimes. Salas emphasized that the confidentiality of contributions made by national businessmen does not constitute an illegal act in itself. At the conclusion of the arguments presented by the first group of lawyers, the president of the National Criminal Court, Juana Caballero García, announced that the next day's hearing would take place in a different judicial venue due to interferences caused by noise generated by individuals unrelated to the process gathering outside the court. This change of venue aims to ensure the proper conduct of the trial and impartiality in its development. The trial of the "cocktails" case continues to generate controversy and public expectation as the arguments of the involved parties are dissected and the judges' decision regarding the guilt or innocence of the accused is awaited. The debate on the legality of campaign contributions and the alleged commission of money laundering crimes remains at the center of attention, while the judicial process moves towards its resolution in the coming days.