Argentina's courts press for testimony and extradition in Venezuelan regime crimes

Buenos Aires federal prosecutors are asking the federal court to summon AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia as a witness in the investigation of the release of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, who spent 448 days detained in Venezuela. Prosecutors argue Tapia may have information about the negotiations that led to Gallo’s freedom and have appealed a lower‑court decision that declined to call him.

At the same time, Argentina has lodged an extradition request with Spain for former Venezuelan National Guard colonel Ephraín Enrique Verdú Torrelles, accused of crimes against humanity during the 2014 anti‑government protests. Human Rights Watch highlighted the case, noting that “the victims in Venezuela have not had justice in their country, and the extradition request submitted by Argentina is a reminder that justice can cross borders.” Spanish authorities will decide whether to surrender Verdú Torrelles to Argentine courts under the principle of universal jurisdiction.