Argentine Gendarme Vanishes in Venezuela, Family Pleads for Help
Table of Contents
The disappearance of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Agustín Gallo in Venezuela has ignited a firestorm of international concern. His family is desperately seeking data, alleging his capture by forces loyal too Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.The incident highlights the complex and frequently enough volatile relationship between Argentina and Venezuela.
Kevin Gallo,Nahuel’s brother,provided a harrowing account of the events leading up to his brother’s disappearance. According to Kevin, nahuel was traveling to visit his wife, who was in Venezuela on business, when he was apprehended. “They took him out of the car and took him away. There were six armed civilians in a black van,” Kevin recounted in a televised interview.
The family’s anguish is palpable. Kevin expressed the family’s desperation, stating, “the painful thing is that we don’t know where he is, we have no news about him. They don’t tell us if he’s okay. A concern… He is missing, the earth ate him.” He revealed that Nahuel had entered Venezuela through Colombia and had hired a driver to take him to his wife.
Nahuel, who serves in Uspallata, Mendoza, and has been with the National Gendarmerie since age 18, was on vacation at the time of his disappearance. Kevin explained, “he was going to see his wife, who had been in the country on business since July. He has a male child.In January, the three were going to get back together [from Venezuela to Argentina].”
Further details emerged from Kevin’s account. “We have the information about the driver who was going to take him to my sister-in-law. They took him out of the car and took his cell phone.Apparently the driver lent him his to make a call. There he managed to communicate with my sister-in-law and told her that they were about to take him away,” he said. He added that the driver reported seeing six armed civilians in a black van.
While the Argentine government has confirmed Nahuel’s capture, details remain scarce. Kevin shared that, “We are trying to be well. We know what everyone knows. A public official called us to tell us things and how they are negotiating. The only ones who communicated were the director of the Gendarmerie and the governor of the Province, but we have no further news.” He also mentioned his sister-in-law’s unsuccessful attempts to locate Nahuel, adding, “We got to where we wanted to get: that with social pressure they help us so that we can see my brother soon.”
Reports from Venezuelan state media suggest that Gallo was apprehended on suspicion of espionage. The lack of transparency surrounding the case has fueled concerns about human rights in Venezuela and the potential for political motivations behind the arrest. the incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals traveling in politically unstable regions and the difficulties faced by families seeking information about loved ones detained abroad.
Argentine Gendarme’s Detention in Venezuela Sparks International Outcry
The arrest of an Argentine gendarme in Venezuela has escalated into a major diplomatic incident,prompting strong condemnation from the Argentine government and calls for his immediate release from international organizations. The gendarme,identified only as Nahuel Gallo,was reportedly detained on Tuesday,December 8th,sparking outrage and concern in Argentina.
According to Gallo’s brother, Kevin, the family was initially unaware of the arrest. “We contacted the Gendarmerie, we told them the situation and they told us that they were working on it with the Foreign Ministry, but they didn’t give us information. They don’t tell us that he is imprisoned in Venezuela or anything,” Kevin stated,expressing the family’s anguish. “My mother has an uncertainty of not knowing where they have him. He can’t even speak.”
The Argentine Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Security issued a joint statement characterizing Gallo’s detention as “arbitrary and unjustified,” emphasizing that his visit to Venezuela was ”strictly personal.” They further asserted that his imprisonment constitutes “an open violation of his fundamental rights.”
In a strongly worded statement, the Argentine government demanded Gallo’s immediate release. “The Government of the Argentine Republic demands, categorically and instantly, the release of our official. argentina will not tolerate acts of this nature against its citizens and deplores these types of practices that contravene the essential principles of respect for individual freedom and human dignity,” the statement declared. The statement also underscored that Argentina “will act with all firmness in all instances and before all international organizations to demand the immediate release of the detained non-commissioned officer.”
Security Minister Patricia Bullrich directly addressed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro,issuing a pointed warning: “Maduro,every minute you retain him will be one more step towards your own end.”
This incident further strains the already tense relationship between Argentina and Venezuela. Last week, Argentina expressed “utmost concern” for six Venezuelan asylum seekers sheltering in the Argentine embassy in Caracas, who were reportedly without electricity, food, and water. On Wednesday of that week, the asylum seekers awoke to find themselves surrounded by over 20 security agents threatening arrest. The Foreign Ministry issued a warning in response to this situation.
The situation highlights the growing concerns about human rights and political freedoms in Venezuela and underscores the complexities of international relations in the region.The ongoing developments will be closely monitored by the international community.
International Pressure Mounts for Venezuelan Asylum Seekers’ Safe Passage
A coalition of nations, including the United States, is demanding that the Venezuelan government ensure the safe passage of asylum seekers whose lives are in danger. The urgent plea comes amid escalating concerns over human rights violations and the precarious situation faced by vulnerable individuals seeking refuge.
During a special session of the Organization of American States (OAS) Permanent Council, Argentina’s Foreign Minister, Gerardo Werthein, delivered a strong condemnation of the Venezuelan regime’s actions. He highlighted the systematic disregard for human rights and international law that prevents these asylum seekers from leaving the country.
“These practices cannot be tolerated, since they flagrantly violate international law,” Werthein declared, adding, “Will we act now, or will we wait until a tragedy occurs to react? The answer does not admit of doubt. The responsibility of this Organization is to act with firmness and unity. we demand the immediate granting of safe passage so that these people can leave the country safely and without restrictions.”
The statement underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the asylum seekers’ lives “face imminent danger.” The joint declaration, signed by Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the United States, Guatemala, Haiti, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Uruguay, and Paraguay, represents a significant show of international unity in demanding action from the Venezuelan government.
The call for safe passage reflects a growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the urgent need for protection for those fleeing persecution. The United States’ participation in this joint declaration underscores its commitment to protecting human rights and supporting international efforts to address the situation.
This coordinated international pressure campaign aims to compel the Venezuelan government to comply with international law and ensure the safety and well-being of the vulnerable asylum seekers. The ongoing situation highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of protecting human rights in the face of authoritarian regimes.
Vanishing Act: Argentine Gendarme Disappears in Venezuela, Sparking International Outcry
The disappearance of Argentine gendarme nahuel Agustín Gallo in Venezuela has ignited a firestorm of international concern, thrusting the already fraught relationship between Argentina and the Maduro regime into the spotlight.His family, desperately seeking answers, alleges his capture by forces loyal to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
A Family’s Plea for Answers
For Nahuel Gallo’s family,their worst nightmare began when they lost contact with their beloved son and brother. His brother Kevin recounted the harrowing details: “They took him out of the car and took him away. There were six armed civilians in a black van.” Nahuel was on vacation, traveling to visit his wife who was in Venezuela on business.
“The painful thing is that we don’t no where he is,we have no news about him,” Kevin shared,his voice thick with anguish.”They don’t tell us if he’s okay. A concern… he is missing, the earth ate him.”
Nahuel, a dedicated gendarme who had served since the age of 18, disappeared during a trip to reunite with his wife. He last spoke to her,briefly,using a borrowed cell phone,before being whisked away by armed men.
Despite pleas to the Argentine government and international organizations, the Gallo family continues to fight for their loved one’s freedom.
World Today News sat down with renowned Latin American security expert, Dr. Gabriela Ramirez, to discuss the implications of this troubling case.
World Today News: Dr. Ramirez, the disappearance of Nahuel Gallo has sent shockwaves through Argentina and beyond.Can you shed some light on the situation?
Dr. Ramirez: the Gabby case is emblematic of the complex and volatile relationship between Argentina and Venezuela. It highlights the risks faced by individuals traveling in politically unstable regions and the difficulties encountered by families seeking information about loved ones detained abroad. While the specific circumstances surrounding Nahuel’s disappearance are unclear, there is mounting evidence suggesting that his arrest might potentially be politically motivated. His detention has sparked outrage in Argentina, with the government demanding his immediate release.
world Today News: What are the potential implications of this case for Argentina-Venezuela relations?
Dr.Ramirez: This incident has already escalated into a major diplomatic crisis. The argentine government has taken a firm stance, condemning the detention as “arbitrary and unjustified,” and calling for Gallo’s immediate release. Venezuela, meanwhile, has offered scant explanation for Gallo’s arrest, fueling further speculation about its motives. This could exacerbate tensions between the two countries, particularly given the already precarious state of bilateral relations.
World Today News: What are the key concerns you have regarding human rights in Venezuela, particularly in light of this case?
Dr.Ramirez: This case raises serious concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals, especially foreigners, within Venezuela. The lack of transparency surrounding Gallo’s arrest, coupled with reports of his detention incommunicado, suggest a disregard for due process and fundamental rights. The international community must continue to pressure the Venezuelan government to uphold its human rights obligations.
World Today news: What message does this case send to the international community?
Dr. Ramirez: This case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human rights in Venezuela and the importance of holding authoritarian regimes accountable for their actions. The international community must remain vigilant in its efforts to protect individuals from arbitrary detention, intimidation, and abuse, regardless of national origin.
The disappearance of Nahuel Gallo is a stark reminder of the human cost of political instability and the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard human rights in Venezuela and beyond.
