Buenos Aires – Argentina’s government announced on Thursday that it has lodged a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Venezuela, accusing it of the “forced disappearance” of Nahuel Gallo, a member of Argentina’s gendarmerie. The complaint follows Gallo’s detention by Venezuelan authorities after he attempted to enter Venezuela from Colombia to visit family.
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the complaint as a “pitiful spectacle” in a post on Telegram. Tensions between Argentina and Venezuela have escalated since Javier Milei, a far-right libertarian, became Argentina’s president in late 2023. Relations further deteriorated following Venezuela’s disputed presidential election in July, in which incumbent socialist President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab clarified that Gallo is not “disappeared” but is detained and undergoing legal proceedings. Venezuelan prosecutors allege that Gallo is linked to a group planning destabilizing and “terrorist” actions.
The Argentine foreign ministry stated that it will continue to use all legal and diplomatic means to ensure Gallo’s rights are protected.