Gajardo Critiques Rabat's Claims Regarding the Bernarda Vera Investigation
Jaime Gajardo, the former Minister of Justice under President Boric's administration, has publicly addressed criticisms directed at the previous government by the current Justice Minister, Fernando Rabat, regarding the case of Bernarda Vera. This case has garnered significant attention following the discovery of Vera in Argentina, after she had been listed as a victim of enforced disappearance for many years according to the Rettig Report. Gajardo’s response came during an interview on Radio Infinita, where he emphasized the importance of presenting accurate information and maintaining respect for judicial processes.
In his statements, Gajardo highlighted the timeline of events, indicating that the information regarding Bernarda Vera was known within the Subsecretariat of Human Rights as early as March 2024 but was not acted upon until later. "There was a delay of at least 15 months during which this critical information was not promptly communicated to the authorities, which is concerning given the sensitive nature of the matter," he stated. He noted that the new head of the Search Plan has achieved significant progress in just three months, which had previously taken nearly two years without any results.
Concerns Over Misrepresentation of Achievements
Gajardo further critiqued Rabat’s assertions that seemed to claim credit for the investigation's outcomes. He pointed out that the current minister’s comments do not reflect the reality of the situation and are misaligned with the actual events surrounding the case. He stated, "The investigation that has now reached its conclusion was initiated in 2024 due to the efforts of the National Search Plan, with significant contributions made throughout 2024 and 2025 to aid in the truth-seeking process."
He expressed his concern that the current justice authorities appear to lack a fundamental understanding of the judicial investigation that began in 2024, warning that such statements could undermine the legitimacy of the ongoing efforts to achieve truth and justice for victims. Gajardo emphasized that the National Search Plan, established during Boric’s presidency, represents a historic commitment by the state to address the fates of thousands of disappeared individuals. He concluded by urging public officials to provide truthful and technically sound information while respecting the separation of powers, particularly on matters of national and international sensitivity.
As reported by emol.com.
