Former Undersecretary of the Interior Manuel Monsalve criticized the lack of formal notification about the closure of the investigation against him for sexual abuse and rape, reported by a subordinate. Despite irregularities, he views the advance to oral trial as fundamental to prove his innocence with objective evidence. The prosecution has 10 days to file the formal accusation.
Fiscal Regional Centro Norte Xavier Armendáriz announced the closure of the investigation against Manuel Monsalve, former Undersecretary of the Interior, for alleged rape and sexual abuse. The decision was notified to the 7th Guarantee Court of Santiago and the interveners, after an investigation lasting one year and two months, started on October 14, 2024, with the complaint from a 32-year-old Subsecretaría employee.
The complainant reported going out to dinner with Monsalve at the Ají Seco Místico restaurant, not remembering part of the night, and waking up semi-naked in a hotel room next to him. This led to Monsalve's resignation, his formalization on November 14, 2024, and preventive prison for 181 days at the Capitán Yáber Penitentiary Annex. Since May, he has been under total house arrest in Viña del Mar, facing up to 15 years in prison.
In a statement, Monsalve criticized learning of the closure through the press before formal notification: “I consider it of utmost gravity that a procedural decision of this magnitude is known by the press before the interveners.” He accused leaks that violate due process and the presumption of innocence, establishing “media truths.” However, he valued the progress: “The advance to oral trial is fundamental. I have always maintained that this is the only suitable space to prove, beyond any doubt, my total innocence.”
He stated his innocence is based on “a robust set of facts, objective evidence, and technical expertises,” to be presented in a public trial. His defense, led by Víctor Providel, will assess requesting reopening if diligences are missing. The complainant's lawyer, María Elena Santibáñez, welcomed the closure: “We are pleased that this advances, that the process is not delayed, as all investigative diligences are exhausted.”
With the accusation, the oral trial preparation will begin, discussing evidence and witnesses before a criminal court.
