Argentina seeks extradition of ex-Venezuelan colonel from Spain

Argentine judicial authorities have formally requested Spain to extradite Ephraín Enrique Verdú Torrelles, a former colonel in Venezuela's National Bolivarian Guard (GNB). The extradition is sought in connection with a case investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela, which is being processed by Argentine tribunals.

The request stems from an order issued by Argentine justice in February, following information that Verdú Torrelles was located in Spain. Argentina's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially transmitted the request to Spanish authorities, and the Spanish Council of Ministers approved the continuation of the process in March. The extradition request is currently being processed by the Central Court of Instruction Number 2 of the Spanish National Court.

Since 2023, Argentine justice has been handling a case against the Nicolás Maduro government for crimes against humanity in Venezuela. This case was initiated based on a complaint filed in January 2023 by the Argentine Forum for the Defense of Democracy (FADD). The complaint leverages the principle of universal jurisdiction, which permits countries to prosecute grave human rights offenses irrespective of the location of the crime or the nationality of the perpetrator or victim.

In June 2023, the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) filed a separate complaint in Argentina's Federal Justice system, seeking an investigation into human rights violations by Venezuelan security forces. This complaint specifically focused on two homicide victims, whose identities have been kept confidential to protect their families. InterJust, which has succeeded CFJ in representing these complainants, revealed that one victim is Rosa Orozco, mother of Geraldin Moreno Orozco, a 23-year-old student and futsal player killed by GNB agents in February 2014 during a protest. Sources indicate Verdú Torrelles commanded the Carabobo Urban Security detachment and was in charge of the operation during those protests.