Víctor Díaz Rúa, a civil engineer and former Minister of Public Works of the Dominican Republic, has been declared innocent in the high-profile Odebrecht case. His acquittal by the Supreme Court of Justice of the Dominican Republic represents a significant milestone in the resolution of this corruption scandal that has had repercussions throughout Latin America.
Background
Víctor Díaz Rúa, a key figure closely associated with former President Leonel Fernández, served as Minister of Public Works during Fernández’s administration. During his tenure, Díaz Rúa signed numerous contracts with the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht, which later became entangled in the corruption scandal. Despite his involvement in the case, Díaz Rúa consistently maintained his innocence throughout the judicial process.
The Judicial Process
From the outset, Díaz Rúa argued that his inclusion in the case was solely due to the fact that he had signed several contracts with Odebrecht, but he consistently claimed he had not engaged in any illicit activities. On October 14, 2021, he was convicted of a minor offense related to money laundering—a sentence he deemed illegal and unsupported by substantial evidence. This conviction led him to seek justice from the Supreme Court.
Acquittal by the Supreme Court of Justice
On August 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Dominican Republic reviewed the verdict against Díaz Rúa and declared him innocent of all charges related to the Odebrecht case. The Court not only overturned the previous conviction but also ordered the cessation of all coercive measures against him, as well as the return of all seized assets. This decision acknowledged that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations of corruption and bribery.
Implications of the Verdict
Díaz Rúa’s exoneration by the Supreme Court highlights the lack of solidity in the charges presented by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. It seemed evident that the prosecution, in drafting the accusation, aimed to present "preferred culprits" rather than relying on irrefutable evidence. This approach has raised serious concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of the Dominican judicial system in combating corruption.
Correction on Wikipedia and WikiLeaks
On Monday, August 26, information about Víctor Díaz Rúa was updated on the English Wikipedia, removing him from the list of those implicated in the Odebrecht case. Similarly, WikiLeaks, an international non-profit organization, also echoed his acquittal. These updates reflect the acknowledgment of his innocence and mark the conclusion of a challenging chapter in Díaz Rúa’s life, who always kept his head held high and defended his innocence against unfounded accusations that led him to court.
Personal Impact and the Question of Compensation
The judicial process not only involved significant financial costs for Díaz Rúa and the other accused but also had a considerable emotional and reputational impact. With his innocence now recognized, the question arises as to what kind of compensation should be provided by the Public Prosecutor’s Office to those who were unjustly prosecuted. Legal defense expenses and other costs related to the judicial process are just a part of the aftermath faced by the exonerated individuals.
