Carabineros de Chile CEO resigns before being accused of police abuse during 2019 protests
CEO of the company Carabineros from Chile, Ricardo Yaneztendered his resignation from office this Friday, three days before a hearing in which he would be indicted for his alleged responsibility in police abuse committed during the 2019 protests.
president of chile Gabriel Boricaccepted the resignation of the former police chief, who assured that he made the decision out of “personal conviction” and out of respect for the institution he ran.
“I made the decision out of personal belief that in the face of an impending formalization hearing, I would never consider going as CEO out of respect for the institution, the police and the uniform.”, stated Yáñez.
Yáñez’s resignation occurred shortly thereafter Court of Appeal in Santiago declared inadmissible an amparo appeal filed by his defense to try to postpone a formal hearing scheduled for October 1 at the 7th Court of Guarantee in Santiago.
According to judicial sources, Yáñez is being investigated for possibly committing the crime of omission of “unjustified coercion leading to serious injuries and murder” during the 2019 demonstrations.
Considered the largest wave of protests since the end of Chile’s military dictatorship, the social outbreak stretched from October 2019 to March 2020, leaving a balance of more than 30 dead and thousands injured.
During this period, Yáñez held the position of Director of Order and Security and was in charge of the heads of all operational areas of the country, in addition to being responsible for the tactical and operational deployment of the Carabiners.
President Boric designated General Yáñez as his successor Marcelo Araya Zapatawho until now served as deputy director of the Carabineros.
“The President of the Republic appointed Inspector General Marcel Araya Zapata as the new Director General of the Carabineros of Chile, acting as Deputy Director General of the institution.” said a statement issued by the presidency.
Minister of the Interior, Carolina Tohahe thanked Yáñez for the work done and highlighted his attitude to the situation.
“It contributed to the correct solution of the situation, above all to the protection of the institution,” the minister said at the press conference. Tohá added that Araya’s appointment was due to his security knowledge and experience in the institution.
For his part, the new Carabineros director said his priority will be to preserve the integrity of the institution. “The bodies under his command and the government offices will take care of the institution of the Carabineros and take care of them,” Araya stressed in his first public appearance after taking office.
Yáñez’s resignation is part of the Boric government’s policy of demanding the resignation of authorities facing judicial formalities in order to protect the institutions and image of the security forces.
“All the decisions that have been made in this matter have the same goal: to preserve an institution that is important to Chileans and that is in the best conditions to meet what the people ask for every day,” concluded Tohá.
(With information from EFE and AFP)