Social unrest

Court acquits Claudio Crespo in Gustavo Gatica case invoking Naín-Retamal law

January 13, 2026 由 AI 报道 AI 生成的图像

Santiago's Fourth Oral Criminal Court unanimously acquitted former Carabineros officer Claudio Crespo for the injuries that blinded Gustavo Gatica during the 2019 social unrest, invoking the Naín-Retamal law to justify legitimate defense. The ruling drew criticism from ruling parties like Frente Amplio and Partido Comunista against the government and Partido Socialista for supporting the law, while President Gabriel Boric defended its backing without intent for impunity. Gatica, now an elected deputy, expressed dissatisfaction and is considering international appeals.