In a move that surprised many, the mayor of Cerro de las Cuentas, Humberto Allende, resigned from both his position and his membership in the National Party on Tuesday, according to local media outlet La Voz de Melo.
The resignation letters, which were released by the local press, revealed that Allende submitted his resignation to the Cerro Largo Municipality, the Electoral Board, and the board of directors of the National Party.
Allende’s resignation is not an isolated incident, but follows a condemnatory court ruling. The now ex-mayor was sentenced to five years and two months in prison for particularly aggravated sexual abuse and personal injury.
The episode that increased media attention occurred at the exit of Melo’s court. Without handcuffs or security, Allende tried to attack a journalist who was waiting for him at the courthouse door. This incident prompted the Ministry of the Interior to open an urgent investigation to clarify why the protocols for the custody and transport of the convicted man were not followed.
Judicial sources informed Montevideo Portal that Allende’s defense plans to appeal the court ruling. The appeal process must be initiated within 15 business days, the sources confirmed.
Given this situation, the Prosecutor’s Office requested the imposition of precautionary measures while the appeal is being processed. Javier Benech, Director of Communications at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, explained: “House arrest with an electronic bracelet for 180 days and a ban on leaving the country was ordered, until the appeal is eventually filed and the Court of Appeals issues its ruling.”
Allende’s case initially gained notoriety when he was accused of allegedly raping an 80-year-old woman. However, the former mayor also faced a second complaint, this time from a 78-year-old man who accused him of having physically assaulted him.
This scandal involving former mayor Humberto Allende not only shakes the judicial sphere, but also has profound political and social repercussions in Cerro de las Cuentas, since his resignation and conviction have opened an intense debate on the suitability of public officials and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Another new investigation has now been opened against Allende, since, upon leaving the court in Melo, he made a gesture as if he wanted to hit a journalist, with a visibly virulent expression.
The Interior Ministry is investigating why he was not handcuffed when he left the premises and why the police did not react when he made such a gesture towards the journalist.
