Protective Measures for Witness in High-Profile Case
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo has mandated protective measures for Vanesa Elizabeth Tossi, who recently testified in an ongoing investigation involving private flights taken by Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni to Uruguay during the Carnival weekend. This decision, made in the federal courts of Commodore Py, comes after prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita raised concerns about potential threats against Tossi from journalist Marcelo Grandío, a personal associate of Adorni.
Threats and Intimidation Attempts
During her testimony, Tossi received real-time communications, including calls and messages from Grandío, which were documented and interpreted as intimidation attempts. This included a written communication described as threatening, leading authorities to conclude that protection was necessary for Tossi’s physical and mental well-being.
Judge Lijo ordered that Grandío must refrain from any form of contact with Tossi—whether direct or indirect—and must not approach her home or workplace. These measures were put in place due to evidence suggesting concrete pressures on Tossi, compromising both the investigation and her testimony.
Prosecution’s Concerns
Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita emphasized that the situation extends beyond mere uncomfortable encounters. He noted that Grandío’s persistent contact with Tossi, particularly during and after public exposure of the case, constitutes a systematic harassment pattern capable of jeopardizing the integrity of the investigation.
In his statement, Pollicita clarified that the intent behind these protective measures is not punitive towards Grandío but rather focused on safeguarding the integrity of Tossi’s testimony and her psychological safety throughout the investigation.
Context of the Communications
Tossi testified that following the public revelation of Adorni’s trip from February 12 to 17, Grandío’s communication escalated. He contacted her several times, notably during her testimony, which was concerning and alarming. One of these calls took place while she was in court, creating an unsettling atmosphere amidst a judicial proceeding.
Additionally, Tossi submitted evidence, including a document from Grandío requesting a credit note regarding flight services, affirming that the return flight was paid in cash by him. Her direct interaction with Grandío was crucial for coordinating flight sales and payments, making her testimony pivotal in this case.
Moving Forward
Tossi’s statement is of significant importance, especially as it sheds light on the dealings surrounding the private flights and offers insights into the relationships between the involved parties. The court’s actions reflect a commitment to ensuring that witnesses can testify without fear of retaliation, thereby upholding the principles of justice.