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[CRIME] · Argentina · 26 sources

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Esquel: Biochemist detained for holding family captive

A 71-year-old biochemist, Miguel Edgardo Battista, has been placed under ten days of preventive detention in Esquel, Chubut, following the rescue of his wife and three children from a state of extreme isolation.

The investigation began on October 10 after neighbors reported suspicious behavior, including windows permanently covered, nocturnal activity, and screams heard during the night. Following an urgent risk report from an interdisciplinary technical team, authorities conducted a raid on October 22 at a residence in the La Cascada neighborhood.

During the operation, Battista barricaded himself inside the house for several hours before being apprehended. Authorities rescued his 41-year-old wife and three children, aged 13, 17, and 19. While some reports indicated the family suffered from severe malnutrition, other sources noted that food supplies were present in the home and that initial visual assessments did not show signs of starvation.

The victims are currently receiving medical, psychiatric, and psychological care. Battista faces charges of aggravated abandonment of a person and unlawful deprivation of liberty. Prosecutors have also requested a psychiatric evaluation of the accused to determine his mental state and intent.

Entities

Cecilia Bagnato · Chubut · Comodoro Rivadavia · Esquel · Miguel Edgardo Battista · Ministerio Público Fiscal de Chubut · Mónica Caveri

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