Original article: Fueron por Apablaza, no estaba y su abogado denuncia un “regalo” para Kast

Failed Arrest of Ex-FPMR Leader Galvarino Apablaza Sparks Political Controversy Ahead of Kast’s Visit

The attempt to apprehend Galvarino Apablaza in Argentina has opened a new political and judicial front. On Wednesday, police arrived at his residence to execute an arrest warrant, but he was not home. This operation occurs amidst the ongoing process to advance his extradition to Chile, ending without immediate results and reigniting a case loaded with decades of political controversy.

Apablaza, former leader of the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front (FPMR), faces accusations in Chile as the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of Jaime Guzmán, a senator and key ideologue of the dictatorship, who remains a prominent historical figure of the UDI party. Therefore, every judicial move regarding his case not only stirs an unresolved issue but also a wound that the Chilean right has continuously exploited for political gain.

Apablaza’s Defense Claims Arrest was a Political ‘Gift’ for Kast

In this context, Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado asserted that a «real option» exists for Apablaza to «assume his responsibilities,» as reported by 24 Horas. However, the police operation did not proceed as anticipated. They came to seek him out, but he was absent from his home.

It was then that the defense raised a significant accusation. Attorney Rodolfo Yanzón criticized the arrest warrant issued in Argentina, insisting that the measure reflected more of a political gesture than a solid judicial resolution.

“The Ministry of Security had Judge Servini sign an arrest warrant violating the refugee convention because, once again, it must be stated that if the refugee status is not definitively determined in court, that status remains in effect and thus Apablaza is protected by the convention,” stated Yanzón, according to Radio Cooperativa.

According to the lawyer, the Argentine government requested Judge María Servini to sign the warrant while the presiding judge of the case, Ariel Lijo, was on leave. Thus, he anticipates that the situation will be reversed once Lijo returns to his duties. “They took advantage of Lijo being on leave and had Servini sign the arrest order. I expect Lijo to annul it in the coming days, next week,” he asserted.

Moreover, Yanzón linked the incident directly to the impending visit of José Antonio Kast to Buenos Aires and his meeting with Javier Milei at the Casa Rosada. “This is a gift they intended to give Kast next Monday, and they will be left with empty hands,” he remarked.

Galvarino Apablaza’s Extradition Remains Contested

The defense also dismissed claims that Apablaza had fled. Yanzón insisted that his client is «within the law,» even though he was not at home when the police attempted to execute the arrest.

Officially, Chile continues to push for the extradition requested against him. However, the failed operation revealed more than just an unfinished procedure; it also exposed the haste of a political sector already rubbing their hands with images of retribution. For now, though, that image does not exist…