Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine gendarme who was detained in Venezuela for 448 days, spoke publicly expressing gratitude for his return, reflecting on his mental state, and his continued concern for fellow detainees.
Nahuel Gallo, a first corporal of the Argentine National Gendarmerie, held a press conference at the Edificio Centinela after his 448-day detention in Venezuela. During this event, he emphasized that even though he has returned to Argentina, he still feels 'prisoner' until all 24 foreigners detained alongside him are released, highlighting the mental challenges he continues to face. He reassured attendees of his well-being but expressed the need for time to adjust and process the experiences he endured during his captivity.
Gallo articulated his profound sense of relief at being back in his home country, stating his happiness and gratitude for the help he received from the Argentine state and unnamed foreign institutions. He acknowledged the importance of national identity, expressing that he has always defended the Argentine flag and sung the national anthem. His statements reflect not only personal relief but also underline the bond and solidarity he feels towards others still detained, revealing a deep sense of commitment to those he left behind in Venezuela.
The press conference, attended by Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Security Minister Susana Monteoliva, sheds light on the delicate situation regarding human rights and the treatment of detainees in Venezuela. Gallo's case has drawn attention to the experiences of foreign nationals detained in the country, where legal processes are often opaque and lengthy. His reflections may help raise awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by others in similar situations, emphasizing the need for international dialogue and intervention on such matters.
