The Seventh Guarantee Court accepted the presentation made by the Gendarmerie to relocate the former Undersecretary of the Interior.
The Seventh Guarantee Court decided that Manuel Monsalveformer Undersecretary of the Interior who is serving preventive detention in the Rancagua prison, be transferred to the Captain Yáber Penitentiary Annex as a security measure.
The measure responds to the death threats that the former authority received just 48 hours after arriving at the penitentiary center located in the O’Higgins Region.where he was confronted by the well-known leader of the drug trafficking gang Los Marchant.
Judge Daniel Urrutia accepted the request made by the Gendarmerie “founded on the need to protect his life and physical integrity and taking into account the provisions of article 150 of the Criminal Procedure Code,” stated T13.
This is in addition to the decision of the O’Higgins Prosecutor’s Office to initiate an investigation into this episode, while Manuel Monsalve’s defense later presented an appeal for protection.or before the Court of Appeals to seek its transfer and thus protect its integrity.
In their presentation, the lawyers of the former Government authority gave an account of the threats made against them by Antonella Marchant, leader of Los Marchant, when they crossed paths at the Rancagua prison hospital.
“We are going to give you a hand, just like you gave it to my sister. This statement, expressed in Coa (prison dialect), is a warning of serious physical harm or even death,” the judicial appeal stated.
According to Monsalve’s lawyers, Marchant refers to Sabrina Durán Montero, known as La Ina, who “was executed on a public street last Tuesday, October 24, 2023, so that this comparison allows us to understand, without too much effort, that It is a direct death threat, also made by someone with respect to whom it is sufficiently serious and credible, especially considering to whom it was made, precisely because of his past functions - but very recent with respect to the organized crime and criminal gangs.”
What are the challenges faced by the prison system in ensuring inmate safety in high-profile cases?
Interview: The Complexities of Incarceration and Security – A Conversation with Dr. Sofia Ramirez, Criminal Justice Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ramirez! Thank you for joining us today to discuss a pressing issue related to inmate safety and security within our prison system, particularly in light of the recent decision by the Seventh Guarantee Court to relocate former Undersecretary of the Interior, Manuel Monsalve.
Dr. Sofia Ramirez: Thank you for having me! This is indeed a complex situation, and I’m glad to shed some light on it.
Editor: Just to set the stage, could you briefly summarize the circumstances surrounding Monsalve’s relocation to Captain Yáber Penitentiary Annex?
Dr. Ramirez: Certainly! Manuel Monsalve was placed in preventive detention at Rancagua prison, but shortly after his arrival, he received death threats. Given these alarming circumstances, particularly his confrontation with a known leader of the Los Marchant drug trafficking gang, the Gendarmerie decided that it was necessary for his safety to transfer him to a more secure facility.
Editor: That’s quite serious. What are your thoughts on the implications of this decision for the broader prison system?
Dr. Ramirez: This case highlights two critical issues. First, it raises concerns about the safety of former officials or individuals connected to high-stakes cases within our prison systems. The risks posed by gangs and other criminal elements should not be underestimated. Second, it underscores the capacity of the criminal justice system to adapt and respond to threats. In this instance, the court acted swiftly, which is a positive sign of prioritizing inmate safety.
Editor: It seems that the role of the Gendarmerie was significant in this case. Could you elaborate on their responsibilities in maintaining prison security?
Dr. Ramirez: Absolutely. The Gendarmerie is responsible for overseeing incarceration and ensuring the safety of all inmates. They have protocols in place for assessing threats and can recommend measures such as transferring inmates when their safety is compromised. Their ability to act promptly, as seen in Monsalve’s case, is crucial for maintaining order and preventing violence in prisons.
Editor: Given the nature of his prior work as Undersecretary of the Interior, do you think there might be additional layers of complexity regarding his incarceration?
Dr. Ramirez: Yes, definitely. Given his previous position, Monsalve’s case is not just about individual safety; it reflects broader societal tensions, including the relationship between state authority and organized crime. His presence in prison may provoke reactions from gang members who may see it as an opportunity to exert power or settle scores. This necessitates heightened security measures and thoughtful management by prison authorities.
Editor: What do you think are the lessons that can be drawn from this incident for future cases involving public officials or individuals with similar profiles?
Dr. Ramirez: This incident illustrates the need for a proactive approach to inmate safety, especially for those who might attract attention due to their past roles. Prisons should have specific protocols for assessing risks to such individuals and be prepared to implement protective measures swiftly. Furthermore, it calls for ongoing dialogue about how we handle criminal justice in high-profile cases, ensuring we balance public safety with the rights of the accused.
Editor: Dr. Ramirez, thank you for your insightful analysis today. It’s clear that this situation is about more than just an individual’s safety; it speaks to the integrity of our entire criminal justice system.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me! I hope this discussion contributes to a better understanding of the challenges we face in our prison systems today.