El poder del silencio

We've reached the end of today's program.

It's been hard to get here.

At times I thought I wasn't going to say goodbye to you.

As I usually do every day from Monday to Thursday...

As I have been doing every twelve years from this room.

From this small radio station that I have always considered

my house.

My home.

Journalism is a constant source of doubt.

A hybrid between giving an opinion about the truth or talking about lies.

Journalism is that which lives in silence

that separates a question from its answer.

That's where the information resides, at that moment.

In the silence. He who is silent

grants.

Isn't that right?

Maira, speak into the microphone.

Mr. Wheel.

Excuse me. We're about to begin the interview.

Would you be so kind as to take your seat?

Are you ready?

We continue with the Epilogue of Independiente FM.

It's ten minutes past ten at night,

nine and three in the Canary Islands,

And as we mentioned at the beginning of the program, the latest news,

As every Thursday, we will dedicate it to the interview of the week.

Tonight's interview with our guest seems rather special.

I cannot hide my anticipation to hear the testimony of the person who is with us.

I never would have imagined having in front of me,

With microphones on, the protagonist of the most... opaque trial.

You could say, of the last few decades in our country.

And most importantly,

just twelve hours before the start of the first session of the trial.

Good evening, Mr. Rueda.

Santiago Rueda.

You have been a senior public servant in this country for a little over two decades.

He has worked in several offices of different ministries and state institutions.

And during legislatures governed by the two major parties.

He has served in the Public Treasury, the Armed Forces,

State Secretariats, various consulates

and even the Head of State.

Tomorrow.

In just a few hours, you will be sitting in the dock.

As accused of the crimes of discovery and disclosure of secrets.

He has not given a single statement during the entire preceding process

since his name came to the forefront.

Why, of all nights, does she break her silence?

If you don't mind, before you answer, let's situate the listeners

with a brief summary of the case and his alleged connection to it.

Mr. Rueda. This is radio.

It would be advisable not to let the silences last too long.

I understand that this may be uncomfortable for you,

But you are the one who requested this interview.

Two years ago, a leak to the press triggered the start of the investigation.

By the prosecution regarding some encrypted digital files

which were used to blackmail a number of influential personalities.

Some might even hold positions in government.

As of today. Nine highly protected files

and that supposedly contained... - Do you mind if I smoke?

I would ask you to refrain.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the studio.

There are several assumptions about exactly who they are.

The protagonists of those videos.

What is certain is that the trial will begin tomorrow.

Media-driven and at the same time, the most opaque in the history of our democracy.

And with only one proper name as the protagonist:

Santiago Rueda's.

We just heard a very brief summary that we hope will help.

To put the listeners into context.

I was asking you, Mr. Rueda, about your activity

as a high-ranking state official.

I have been working for the State for almost thirty years.

Almost the same as without smoking.

Today is a good time to return,

Don't you think so?

I've performed all sorts of functions, but I suppose the most valuable one.

For all these years, the policy has been to remain silent.

And what makes their silence so valuable?

How long should this interview last?

Well... an hour

from its inception.

We have until 10:59.

We would need much more than an hour.

You have asked me why I am speaking right now.

But it was something that was predictable from the beginning.

Listen to me,

Silence allows you to reach the depths.

Discreet. Confidential.

Without noise or fuss.

Silence has allowed me to be a privileged witness to all the evil

that human beings can do.

Could you tell us about those depths you're referring to?

That's why I've come here today.

He's not answering? I mean the call. It's his boss.

That's not the case.

In the middle of an interview, as you can imagine.

I insist once again.

What do you have to tell us?

If he really came to tell us something.

Do you know why he's calling you?

Excuse me?

Eduardo Manrique, his boss and director of this media outlet.

Do you know why he's calling you?

Don't you find it strange that he insists so much?

In the middle of a live interview?

Corta Maira, ads.

We're going to pause and come back in a few seconds.

Don't leave.

What the hell is going on!

Tell me, Eduardo.

I'm live...

I can't believe what you're asking me.

Eduardo.

What do you mean they're pressuring you?

Who?

We are journalists.

Have you forgotten about that?

This is a huge success, for me and for the station.

No, I don't understand.

What you're asking is a real kick in the teeth.

Eduardo.

I'm hanging up on you.

This is false.

It's made with Artificial Intelligence.

And why the rush to stop this interview?

Believe me, it would have been easier for them not to have allowed it.

If you had something to fear, you wouldn't have even set foot in this station.

Nor any other.

I'm glad to know you're aware of where your masters spend their time.

This thing about journalism.

If they allowed this interview, it's because they believe they are in control.

What does that mean?

Who exactly are they referring to?

Maira, we have to go in.

Do it.

I promise to change your life.

You will go down in journalism history.

Don't mess with me.

It's your decision.

I've already taken mine.

And I assure you that I don't need you.

So?

That's more fun.

I'm going to regret this...

TRUE?

We are back with you.

Please excuse the unexpected changes and the rushed start to the news report.

Tonight.

Mr. Rueda, a few minutes ago you were telling us

who has come to this study with the intention of telling,

to speak, to break a silence that has been maintained for years

even though it is detrimental to the legal process he is facing.

Let's say, if he reveals in this interview

what I suspect he is willing to reveal,

This could seriously harm your defense in the legal proceedings against you.

Are you aware of this?

Are you sure about what you're going to do?

Could you remind me what the crimes are that I am accused of?

Influence peddling, disclosure of secrets, extortion...

How many years in prison does all that add up to?

Don't you know?

No.

The prosecution will allegedly request a sixteen-year prison sentence and disqualification from holding public office.

That won't happen.

Excuse me?

There will be no trial.

What do you mean there won't be a trial?

What did you think of the video?

Look, Mr. Rueda, I remind you that this is an interview

and I would ask for respect towards me as a journalist.

Here, I'm the one asking the questions.

We're out.

They've cut the broadcast.

What does that mean?

They've blocked the signal.

Is there a solution?

Get ready to come back.

It's impossible.

We can't do anything.

Leave it to me.

Eduardo.

What a son of a bitch!

I wanted to cut the interview short, no matter what.

You fucking coward!

Look at this, Maira.

I can't believe it.

Take it off.

Take it down, damn it!

What are you doing? Stop it now!

They'll be on their way.

If we don't block the studio door somehow.

They'll kill us. Holy shit!

No, Mr. Rueda,

Stop immediately.

Don't you understand yet?

It's over. The interview is over.

You're not getting it! You don't get it. You don't understand.

Maira! You have to see this.

I'm telling you to stop! Damn it!

It's unstoppable.