Argentina slams Venezuela over detention of citizen on espionage charges

By Sinan Dogan

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Argentine President Javier Milei on Tuesday denounced Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over the detention of Argentine national Nahuel Gallo, who has been accused of espionage.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Military College, Milei declared Gallo innocent and demanded his immediate release.

“He was detained by the security forces led by the criminal dictator Nicolas Maduro for the sole crime of visiting his partner and son,” said Milei.

The president assured that Argentina would exhaust all diplomatic channels to secure Gallo’s safe return.

Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, speaking in a radio interview, alleged that Venezuela holds numerous political prisoners, including foreign nationals. She referred to a "geostrategic shift" in Venezuela that she said "requires collective action."

Commenting on Maduro’s inauguration set for Jan. 10, Bullrich claimed that Venezuela’s leadership is under pressure after “losing" the presidential election on July 28, and accused them of taking individuals "hostage without regard for public will."

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Dec. 10 that Gallo, an Argentine gendarme, had been detained on charges of espionage.

Gallo reportedly entered Venezuela from Colombia via a land border to visit his wife and child when he was apprehended by security forces.