Police have identified three students from Universidad Austral de Valdivia as suspects in the attack on Science Minister Ximena Lincolao, which occurred on Wednesday during the academic year's inauguration. Police sources said up to six people may be involved, and Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado confirmed they know who they are. The investigation is progressing toward detentions next week.
Science Minister Ximena Lincolao was attacked on Wednesday at Universidad Austral de Valdivia (UACh) during her visit to the academic year inauguration ceremony. The incident prompted an investigation by the Los Ríos Prosecutor's Office and police, who already have intelligence on the involved parties.
Police sources told La Tercera the names of three UACh students as 'persons of interest': Maximiliano Andrés Herrera Catalán, from Public Administration with a history of protests; María Jesús Madariaga Rojas, from Anthropology, who allegedly threw water at the minister; and Nataly Santander Santibáñez, with priors for graffiti in 2025. Interior Minister Claudio Alvarado stated: “We already know who they are. Obviously, we have to wait for their subsequent detention. They are students and student leaders”.
Rector Egon Montecinos testified to chief prosecutor Alejandra Anabalón and activated an internal protocol that could lead to sanctions up to expulsion. He admitted a side door to the Aula Magna, opened from inside, allowed protesters to enter, and acknowledged the initial dialogue strategy failed. He did not rule out external involvement.
PDI and Carabineros are verifying identities for arrest warrants, possibly next week, as the university cooperates with the criminal probe and its internal process.
