The Supreme Court full bench voted Monday to open 56 removal proceedings against judges who traveled abroad on medical leave. The measure affects magistrates at various levels, including one member of the Judicial Power's Ethics Council.
The decision was taken in a divided vote and the full list of those affected was not published. Judges were notified by email before the vote.
Among those involved is Judge Sergio Pizarro of the Valparaíso Oral Criminal Court. Pizarro faced a disciplinary summary that absolved him, but must now respond to a removal notebook. He was drawn in April to join the first Judicial Power Ethics Council.
Judge Alejandra García, a member of the panel trying the false medical licenses fraud, disqualified herself after notification. The trial involves damage exceeding 35 billion pesos to Fonasa and more than 6 billion to the Isapres.