Appeals court convicts former Republican Guard director of arms trafficking

In a significant legal development, Uruguay's 3rd Turn Appeals Court has overturned a previous acquittal, convicting Rovert Yroa, the former director of the Republican Guard and Police Chief of Colonia, of arms trafficking. The ruling, decided by a three-to-one vote, sentenced Yroa to ten months in prison, a decision that has now been sent to the Supreme Court of Justice for final review.

The judicial process has been lengthy and complex. Initially, Yroa's defense successfully argued for his dismissal, claiming the imputed actions did not constitute a crime at the time they occurred. The 2nd Turn Appeals Court had supported this view, but the Prosecutor's Office appealed to the Supreme Court, which mandated that a trial proceed. Subsequently, Judge Mercedes Reyes acquitted Yroa.

However, the Prosecutor's Office appealed again, leading to the current conviction. The prosecution's case, led by Gilberto Rodríguez, centers on Yroa's actions in 2016 related to a sniper rifle. While Yroa was part of a commission in 2007 that recommended the purchase of restricted firearms, including three sniper rifles, he later attempted to sell one of these rifles in 2016. The buyer was unable to register the weapon, which the prosecution argues proves Yroa lacked authorization to transfer it, as the rifle did not legally belong to him.

Although an earlier charge of abuse of functions related to the rifle's acquisition had prescribed before a criminal complaint was filed, the current conviction focuses on the alleged illegal trafficking. Yroa's defense has announced its intention to appeal the new ruling to the Supreme Court of Justice.