The hearing began this Monday, March 16, at the National Court of Justice (CNJ) in Ecuador, lasting four hours during which multiple arguments were presented regarding procedural nullities. Judge Daniella Camacho presided over this first part of the preparatory hearing for trial, where seven accused individuals, including Augusto Verduga and Nicole Bonifaz, face charges of illicit association. This stage in the legal process follows significant delays, having taken place eight months after the closure of the preliminary investigation stage and a series of four postponements.

Two requests for disqualification made by the defense of the accused were denied by Judge Camacho, which allowed the hearing to proceed. These developments come in the wake of a lengthy investigative process that initially began four months of fiscal instruction, which concluded on July 13, 2025. The case is notable for its connections to prominent figures from the Citizen Participation Council and the Liga Azul, which are associated with the political faction known as correísmo, signaling potential political implications amid ongoing discussions surrounding corruption and accountability in Ecuador.

The prosecution is pushing for the court to not only declare the procedural validity but also to continue with the accusatory process, emphasizing the importance of accountability in cases involving public officials and political entities. This case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, specifically regarding the intersection of politics and legal proceedings in Ecuador, making it a highly significant event in the current judicial landscape of the country.