The Argentine Foreign Minister, Gerardo Wertheinresponded again this Sunday to the attorney general of Venezuela, Tarek William Saabwhom he described as “responsible for systematic violations of human rights,” in the midst of the diplomatic discussion over the kidnapping by the Chavista regime of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo.
The Chancellor issued a new statement through his official X account, after the head of the Bolivarian Public Ministry launched personal criticism against him.
In his response, Werthein stated that “The case of the Argentine citizen Nahuel Gallo is conclusive proof of the serious violations of international law and fundamental human rights.” that you endorse from your position.”
Likewise, he pointed out that Saab’s “empty rhetoric” and “unfounded grievances” will not be able to hide “the seriousness of the case or justify the atrocities that he legitimizes from his position.”
“The arbitrary detention of Gallo, who entered Venezuela legally with the sole purpose of visiting his son and wife, flagrantly violates international standards and the basic principles of humanity and justice that any State is obliged to respect,” he stressed.
Along these lines, he highlighted that “keeping him detained with false accusations, incommunicado, denying him consular access and legal assistance constitutes a direct violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, specifically Article 36, which guarantees the right of foreign citizens to communicate with his consulate and receive protection.”
“The silence regarding the whereabouts and conditions of Nahuel Gallo represents a serious violation of international law. This constitutes an enforced disappearance, a crime against humanity recognized by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Every day that Gallo remains in these inhuman conditions reinforces his personal and political responsibility before the international community,” Werthein concluded.
In this regard, he confirmed that “The Argentine Republic demands the immediate release of Nahuel Gallo; immediate and unrestricted consular access, in accordance with the Vienna Convention; the provision of proof of life that certifies his physical integrity, and guarantees of legal assistance and contact with his family.”
“I remind you that crimes against humanity do not prescribe. Those responsible for these violations face the scrutiny of international justice, which acts beyond the borders and narratives that you try to construct,” he questioned.
Finally, Werthein warned that the case of this kidnapped gendarme “will be taken to all necessary authorities until his release is guaranteed and it is demonstrated that human rights violations will not go unpunished.”
Previously, the Chancellor had already crossed paths with Saab, reminding him that he is carrying out a management “plagued by disappearances, illegitimate kidnappings, arbitrary detentions, false accusations and other practices that not only violate human rights, but also constitute serious abuses against the dignity of people.”
However, he maintained that it is not he “who should judge him,” but that “that task corresponds to an international court respected in the world, a court recognized by countries that believe and defend human rights as a universal value.”
“Show your bravery, free Nahuel Gallo, another of the many hostages he has under his controlalong with citizens of other countries who suffer from their abuse of power. If you truly believe in your knowledge of the law, in your arguments and in the legitimacy of your actions, confront me, face to face, in front of an impartial court, present your evidence, answer for your actions and submit to the decisions of true justice. ”.
Werthein declared that he was “willing to do so, at any time and in any place, because the truth does not depend on rhetoric or circumstantial positions, the truth is unique and must be determined by an independent court, where there is no room for impunity.”
“True courage does not consist of sheltering in power or launching accusations from the safety of an office, true courage lies in submitting to the judgment of an impartial justice, in accepting the truth and in being accountable for one’s actions,” he emphasized. Werthein.
Finally, he warned that “the Argentine Republic will continue to denounce the abuses and abuses that you have perpetuated, and work in all international forums to guarantee justice to the victims of your actions.”
