"They take them hostage to negotiate"
The news broke after Diosdado Cabello, the number two in Chavismo, reported on television about the detention of three foreigners—an Argentinian, a Spaniard, and a Bulgarian—whom he accused of participating in a supposed electoral conspiracy. However, the Argentinian Government dismissed those claims: "They have us used to telling lies. They can't be believed. The only certain thing is that they try to take hostages to negotiate," official sources told Infobae. According to preliminary information, the three detainees were part of a cybersecurity company hired to perform a private service, with no political or partisan ties. This new case resonates strongly due to the similarities with that of the gendarme Nahuel Gallo, missing since December 8. Gallo was kidnapped by the Venezuelan political police when he was trying to enter through an authorized border crossing to visit his wife and son.No guarantees or consular assistance
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Since his detention, Gallo has not been able to communicate with his family, and his whereabouts are unknown. He has not been guaranteed access to a defense attorney or consular assistance, violating international human rights treaties. Maduro accused Gallo of having participated in an alleged assassination plot against Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, although no evidence was ever presented. "We are still waiting for them to show proof of that madness," Argentinian Government spokespeople said. The tension with Caracas had intensified after the escape of Venezuelan opposition members from the residence of the Argentinian ambassador, which would have motivated covert reprisals against Argentinian citizens. In light of this situation, the Argentinian Government doubled down on its warning to the public: traveling to Venezuela represents a high risk and lacks minimum security and legality guarantees.
