The director of Ballet Salta, Marina Jiménez, and her husband have been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the sexual abuse of their grandson when he was a minor. This case has been one of the most impactful in the province's culture in recent years. The victim's father, Aníbal Jiménez, confirmed the sentence and stated that he believed his son from the very beginning and supported him throughout the legal process, including medical examinations, statements, and hearings. The complaint was filed in June 2022 in Buenos Aires by the victim himself, who claimed that from the age of 10 to 17, his grandparents abused him when he stayed overnight at their house in Salta. Another point highlighted in the complaint is that some of the attacks took place in Mar del Plata, where the family spent their vacations, the media outlet El Tribuno reported. For now, both accused will remain free until the sentence becomes final. In this context, Marina Jiménez continues to be exempt from prison, fulfilling the corresponding procedural obligations and making herself available to the judicial authorities. The statement, accessed by the Argentine News Agency, reads: «With over fifty-five years of artistic and training trajectory in the province and the country, we renew our commitment to transparency, institutional responsibility, and respect for our community, our students, and the public that has accompanied us for decades». It was indicated that activities will continue «adapting to the current context and prioritizing the orderly functioning of its cultural work». Ballet Salta published a statement after the sentence became known: «It is important to clarify that, in accordance with current legislation, this sentence is not yet final, awaiting the corresponding grounds, and the legal appeals provided for by the legal system are in process».
