Chubut Governor rejects court order to provide red meat to prisoners

A judicial ruling in Chubut has sparked a political confrontation between Governor Ignacio Torres and the provincial judiciary. Judge Marcelo Nieto Di Biase ordered the provincial government to include red meat in the meals provided to inmates at the Trelew prison within 72 hours. This decision follows a collective habeas corpus filed by inmates of the Instituto Penitenciario Provincial (IPP) seeking improved nutritional protein levels.

Governor Torres has publicly rejected the order, labeling it “locura” (madness) and criticizing what he termed “garantismo berreta” (shoddy legalism). Torres argued that the judiciary appears more concerned with the rights of criminals than those of law-abiding citizens, accusing certain judges of being ideologically driven. He further stated that the administration will not comply with the mandate to provide meat daily.

Separately, Torres addressed the political climate in the province, warning against the “anxiety” surrounding the 2027 electoral cycle. He expressed concern that premature discussions regarding political alliances and candidates could paralyze public administration and long-term governance. He also touched upon economic measures, such as the elimination of residential construction taxes, to stimulate the local economy.