The president of the Justicialist Party of Neuquén, José “El Turco” Asaad, was suspended from his party position following a complaint for "gender violence" filed by his ex-partner.
The decision was made unanimously this Thursday by the Provincial Council of the PJ, which also appointed Lucas Riquelme as acting president while the judicial situation of the Kirchnerist leader is resolved.
The measure was voted on with the participation of ten councilors and the corresponding quorum. Thus, Riquelme will temporarily take over the leadership of Peronism in Neuquén during the progress of the case against Asaad.
José Asaad
The complaint of violence
The complaint is being investigated by prosecutor Gastón Medina, a member of the Neuquén Prosecutor's Office for Violence and Sexual Crimes. The mayor of Vista Alegre denied the accusations and stated that he would present evidence to defend himself.
According to local media reports, the Forensic Medical Corps confirmed injuries on the complainant's body. Among them, bruises on the inner side of both arms, a linear injury of six centimeters on the right forearm, and bruises on the left thigh and knee were mentioned.
According to those same reports, the woman allegedly warned Asaad that she was going to file a complaint, to which he reportedly responded that she should do so and bring the police.
José Asaad
In response to the accusation, the leader published a statement on his social media in which he rejected the reported facts and assured that he would provide evidence to the investigation. Asaad claimed that he would present “evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and all necessary elements”.
Subsequently, he released a second communication informing that he had submitted a “note” to the Provincial Council of the PJ requesting that his “right to defense be respected”.
The situation also opened a political front in Vista Alegre, where Asaad continues to serve as mayor. The local Deliberative Council met to analyze a request for “moral ineligibility” presented by four opposition councilors, who proposed his possible removal from office.
José Asaad
However, the legislative body did not reach a decision. One of the councilors decided to withdraw his signature from the formal presentation, so the process was passed to the Legal Committee. Now, the legal advisors of the Deliberative Council will have to analyze the case and determine how the procedure related to the mayor's situation will continue.
The governor of Neuquén, Rolando Figueroa, also commented on the complaint and was asked about Asaad's continuity in the municipality. “The truth is that if things are as the complaint states, I believe Asaad should resign”, he stated.
While the Justice advances with the investigation into the complaint against Asaad, his suspension as president of the PJ in Neuquén has already been formalized and his continuity as mayor of Vista Alegre remains under analysis by the Deliberative Council.
