01/07/2026 21:54 - Judiciales
Nahuel Gallo, an NCO (non-commissioned officer) from Argentina's National Gendarmerie, provided sworn testimony before the Federal Court on July 1, 2026. During his appearance, he recounted in detail the suffering he endured while detained in Venezuela. The officer formally requested to be recognized as the sole private prosecutor (querellante) in the judicial case investigating the circumstances of his arrest.
As reported by TN, Gallo described to the judges the ordeal he lived through during his time in Venezuelan custody, detailing detention conditions and irregularities that characterized his arrest.
The National Gendarmerie (Gendarmería Nacional Argentina) is a federal paramilitary police force responsible for border security, internal security, and law enforcement in rural and frontier areas. Similar to Italy's Carabinieri or France's Gendarmerie, it operates as a military-style police force under Argentina's Ministry of Security. Officers like Gallo serve in a unique role combining military discipline with civilian police duties.
Gallo's detention in Venezuela drew significant attention in Argentina. His case represents one of several incidents highlighting the complex diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The Federal Court investigation seeks to determine whether due process was followed during his apprehension and whether his rights were violated during custody.
In Argentina's criminal procedural system, a querellante (private prosecutor or plaintiff) is a person who, as a crime victim or their representative, participates in criminal proceedings as an accusing party. By requesting to be recognized as the sole private prosecutor, Gallo seeks to have his own voice in the judicial process, independent from the Public Prosecutor's Office. This status grants him specific rights:
The testimony comes during a particularly sensitive moment for Venezuela. The country is experiencing a humanitarian crisis following earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24, 2026, which left over 1,900 confirmed deaths and between 50,000 and 70,000 people missing, according to international organization estimates.
The political landscape remains complex: María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader, remains in exile, unable to return due to airspace closures ordered by the transitional government of Delcy Rodríguez.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
