Fripur fish processing plant. (Photo: Fripur/FIS)

'Fripur committed no crime,' the Law determines

Due to lack of evidence, a judge decided to file the complaint for alleged irregularities in the monitoring action conducted by the National Directorate of Aquatic Resources (Dinara) to the company Fripur SA.

The case was initiated following a complaint by the attorney Gustavo Salle, in which he questioned the amount of a fine of 100 adjustable units -- about UYU 46,000 (USD 2,460) -- imposed on the company for various irregularities in the fish processing plant.

The sanction was enforced by Dinara in March 2010 after the blockade imposed on Uruguayan fish by the European Union (EU) between November 2007 and June 2008 because of several irregularities in Fripur plant, the newspaper El País reported.

Dinara, an entity depending on the Ministry of Livestock (MGAP) found out masonry work was being performed in areas close to the place where the raw material was being processed without a "hygienic separation of both processes."

The accusing attorney estimated the amount of the fine was "ridiculous" although the Law determined that it was framed within logical parameters.

Judge Graciela Gatti also heard the testimonies by other witnesses, who denounced the granting of a scientific fishing permit and the relabeling of products for export to Brazil, when the original destination was Europe, the newspaper La República reported.

The judge determined that closing the European market for domestic fish products was not due to the irregularities observed in Fripur, and that the relabelled products were fit for human consumption.

"There is no evidence to establish criminal responsibility of legal nature," the court ruling has determined.

In February, Fripur assured having been the victim of a "really offensive media campaign."

"Those who are seeking to harm Fripur and its workers, and those who irresponsibly lend credence to insults that affect assets and values [should] take responsibility for their actions in the right sphere," the Uruguayan firm pointed out in a statement.

The former Minister of Livestock and current senator, Ernesto Agazzi, said the allegations had "political overtones".

"It is clear that the allegations have no foundation and that they have been made with a political intention. Let us reflect on this unfounded allegation; on the attacks directed to public figures and on the fact that the media have spread many false issues as being true but then when the truth is revealed, the clarification of the issue that was a false allegation is not broadcast," the legislator concluded.

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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