This Wednesday, the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) launched an alert for the kidnapping of Ronald Ojeda Moreno, retired Venezuelan lieutenant who was a political prisoner. The incident occurred this morning when four men arrived at his home in Santiago.
According to Chilean authorities and security forces, Ojeda “You could be taken out of the country through an authorized or non-authorized passage”.
One of the first figures to speak out about the kidnapping of the retired Venezuelan military officer was Ivan Simonoviscriminal investigator, who blamed DGCIM officials and explained that the men “They posed as Chilean immigration officials and kidnapped Lt. Ronald Ojeda Moreno. His whereabouts are unknown.”.
The Venezuelan investigator denounced the incident and described it as an “illegal incursion” by security agents of the Nicolás Maduro administration into Chilean territory.
In addition, mentioned Alexander Granko as the man behind the planning that ended in said kidnapping. He was identified by the UN as one of the main torturers of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence.
A security video went viral on social networks in which the kidnappers are seen taking Ojeda.
The retired soldier He was in Chile since December 2017when he escaped from the military prison of Green Branch. He had been held there since March of the same year.
His name was mentioned again by the Maduro administration in January of this year, when the Ministry of Defense published its degradation and expulsion from the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, considering him a “traitor to the country”.
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**Interview with Juan Pérez, Security Expert and Latin American Affairs Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Juan. We’ve just heard about the shocking kidnapping and subsequent murder of Ronald Ojeda, a retired Venezuelan lieutenant living in Chile. What can you tell us about his background?
**Juan Pérez:** Thank you for having me. Ronald Ojeda was indeed a notable figure. He served as a lieutenant in the Venezuelan military and became a political prisoner after publicly opposing the Maduro regime. His situation reflects a larger pattern of political persecution that many Venezuelans face.
**Interviewer:** The Chilean authorities have stated that the kidnapping was organized from Venezuela. What does this imply about the reach of Venezuelan political influences in another country?
**Juan Pérez:** This indicates that the Venezuelan government may have extensive networks operating beyond its borders to silence dissenters. It also raises serious concerns about the security of exiles in Chile and other countries. The fact that this operation could be orchestrated from Venezuela highlights the level of threat that many exiles perceive.
**Interviewer:** What measures do you think Chilean authorities should take in response to this incident?
**Juan Pérez:** First and foremost, they need to enhance the security detail for other vulnerable individuals, particularly those with a history of political opposition. Additionally, Chile should strengthen its intelligence cooperation with other nations to thwart similar operations. A comprehensive dialogue about the safety of political refugees is necessary.
**Interviewer:** Do you believe that incidents like these will affect the Chilean public’s perception of Venezuelan refugees?
**Juan Pérez:** It’s certainly possible. Public perception can shift based on high-profile incidents like this. Chileans have generally been supportive of Venezuelan refugees, but if fear and insecurity rise, it could lead to a more polarized view. It’s crucial for authorities to communicate that these were targeted acts and not a reflection of the broader Venezuelan refugee population.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Juan. It’s a troubling situation, and hopefully, this incident will prompt meaningful discussions about safety and human rights in the region.
**Juan Pérez:** Thank you for having me. I hope for a swift resolution and justice for Ronald Ojeda and all those impacted by politically motivated violence.
