Gajardo Responds to Accusations Regarding the Bernarda Vera Case
The former Justice and Human Rights Minister, Jaime Gajardo, addressed the recent criticisms leveled by the current minister, Fernando Rabat, concerning the investigation into the case of Bernarda Vera. Vera, who had been listed as a missing person since 1973, was recently discovered alive in Argentina. In a statement made via the social media platform X, Gajardo asserted that Rabat's comments were inconsistent with the factual circumstances surrounding the case, emphasizing that the groundwork for the investigation was laid by the National Search Plan initiated during Gajardo's tenure.
Gajardo firmly stated, "The remarks made by the current Minister of Justice and Human Rights regarding the Bernarda Vera case do not correspond to reality nor do they align with the actual events that transpired in this case." He clarified that the judicial investigation did not commence under the current administration but was actually initiated in 2024, thanks to the efforts of the National Search Plan. He highlighted that critical information was provided to the visiting minister of the judiciary, Álvaro Mesa, during 2024 and 2025 to aid in the investigation and to clarify the truth regarding Vera's situation.
The Significance of the National Search Plan
According to Gajardo, the statements made by Rabat reflect a lack of understanding of the case's factual and legal background, which is particularly troubling given the serious nature of the judicial investigation. He expressed concern that the current government erroneously attributes the results of this investigation to its own management, thereby undermining the dedicated efforts of previous administrations and the judiciary itself. Gajardo remarked, "It is worrying that government officials are unaware of the fundamental principles of a reserved judicial investigation that began in 2024. The current Minister of Justice and Human Rights is claiming achievements from a confidential judicial inquiry while casting doubt on the legitimacy of historical efforts made across various governments to achieve truth and justice."
In his statement, Gajardo defended the legacy of the National Search Plan, which was established during Gabriel Boric's presidency. He articulated that this plan has marked a significant historical milestone in the state’s responsibility to pursue the truth regarding the fates of thousands of compatriots who were disappeared and later confirmed dead. Gajardo concluded by urging all parties involved to engage in the discourse surrounding this sensitive issue with institutional responsibility, stating, "There is a democratic obligation for authorities to provide accurate information with technical rigor, respecting the separation of powers and avoiding the confusion of public opinion for ideological purposes concerning a matter of recognized national and international sensitivity."
As reported by elmostrador.cl.
