Argentina's foreign minister confirmed that Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine gendarme detained in Venezuela for over a year, has been released and departed the country. His detention in late 2024 had heightened tensions between President Javier Milei and then-Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Buenos Aires had called the arrest arbitrary and referred the case to an international court. Gallo's wife said he is en route to Argentina and that their son Victor will soon be reunited with his father.
Released After Yearlong Detention: Argentine Soldier Nahuel Gallo Returns Home
Argentina's Gendarmeria officer Nahuel Gallo, who, according to Venezuelan officials, was detained after attempting to enter Venezuela irregularly, walks at an undisclosed location in this image obtained by Reuters on January 3, 2025.
Argentina's foreign minister said on Sunday that Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine soldier who had been detained in Venezuela for more than a year, has been released and has already left the country.
Background
Nahuel Gallo, a member of Argentina's Gendarmerie, was detained in late 2024 in a case that exacerbated diplomatic tensions between Argentine President Javier Milei and then-Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Buenos Aires denounced the arrest as arbitrary and took the matter before an international court.
The situation drew continued attention after reports that Maduro was captured in January by the United States and transferred to New York.
Family Reaction
"I just spoke with Nahuel Gallo and I can inform you that he is already flying to Argentina,"
Gallo's wife, Maria Alexandra Gomez, posted on social media, adding: "We are deeply moved. Victor will be able to hug his father in a few hours." Their comments were shared as authorities confirmed his departure from Venezuela.
Diplomatic Implications
The episode had been a source of diplomatic strain between Buenos Aires and Caracas. Argentine officials had publicly pressed for Gallo's release and raised the case with international bodies, framing the detention as a violation of due process.
Authorities in Argentina and international observers will likely watch closely for any official statements or legal developments now that Gallo has left Venezuelan territory.
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