ARA judge overseeing the legal proceedings related to the 2013 Alvia train derailment in Angrois, which killed 80 people, has recommended granting a full pardon to the locomotive driver, Francisco José Garzón, who was sentenced to two years, six months, and one day in prison. The judge, María Elena Fernández, argued that there are 'reasons of justice and equity' to grant the clemency, citing the brief moment of distraction Garzón experienced while speaking on the phone during the incident. The decision comes after the chief prosecutor in Santiago also supported a partial pardon, though he ruled out a complete one. The case now moves to the Ministry of Justice, where the final decision on the pardon lies with the government. The judge emphasized that the severity of the outcome was influenced by factors beyond the driver’s actions, including infrastructure safety issues.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the judicial recommendation neutrally, focusing on the legal arguments and procedural steps rather than taking a stance on whether the pardon is justified. It includes perspectives from both the judge and the prosecutor, providing balanced coverage of the situation.
