Maldonado Family Renews Demand for Independent Investigation

The family of Argentinian backpacker Santiago Maldonado — whose body was discovered in late October after he had been missing for 78 days — has released a new statement reiterating their demands for an independent investigation into the young fine-arts graduate’s death.

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In a statement released Wednesday, the family criticised a decision made by Judge Gustavo Lleral, who last week rejected a request by Sergio Maldonado, Santiago's brother, for an independent review.

“We again request that a thorough, effective, impartial and independent investigation be guaranteed in order to know the circumstances of Santiago's death,” the family said, noting that their request falls under the recommendations of the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances.

The hearing scheduled for November 24, when official autopsy results will be released, should be the beginning of the investigation and not the end, say the family.

The Maldonado family is also demanding that the Argentine government, as the holder of the criminal action, be the principal party responsible for the investigation.

On Saturday, the family released their first statement since the 28-year-old’s body was found on the Chubut river, near where witnesses say he was taken by police after a raid on a Mapuche Indigenous community strike.

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"From the depth of our pain as Santiago's parents to all Argentine citizens and to the world, we want to thank you for every word of encouragement, every letter, every hug; your tears reached our hearts," the letter read.

"We remember Santiago laughing, singing, drawing, tattooing, which is what he did in our home. We remember his travels, his funny anecdotes, his endless calls despite the distance, always present, always witty, always in solidarity."

Officers from the Argentinian national gendarmarie attacked the encampment on 1 August to dislodge activists occupying land owned by the clothing empire Benetton, but also claimed by the region’s Mapuche people.

Witnesses saw Maldonado flee to the side of the frozen Chubut river then turn back and surrender to the baton-wielding officers.