Ex-General Yáñez criticizes 'Cancerbero' operation broadcast: 'Would have been more restrictive'

Former Carabineros Director General Ricardo Yáñez has voiced criticism regarding the live broadcast of the massive inmate transfer operation, dubbed "Cancerbero," to the new "La Laguna de Talca" prison.

Yáñez argued that the operation was unnecessarily exposed during the live transmission. He suggested that if he were leading the institution, he would have opted to show only select images for informational purposes, rather than a full live feed. "In the past, (procedures) were very confidential between Gendarmerie and Carabineros, regarding the times they were carried out," he recalled, noting that only the involved institutions knew when such transfers of high-risk inmates would occur.

While acknowledging the operation's goal as a "potent signal" that "Chile needed signals like these," Yáñez also highlighted structural changes the government is pursuing in the prison system. He pointed to adapting experiences from other countries to Chile's national reality. However, his primary concern remained the media coverage.

"There is a risk (with live transmission), but a signal had to be given (about) how I inform the citizenry that this was done," Yáñez stated. He added that after a "bombardment of information about crimes and offenses" publicized on social media, a "communicational" action was necessary. Yet, he cautioned, "there is a risk not only to the operation but also to the rights and guarantees that could be affected."

When asked how he would have handled the operation if he were in charge, Yáñez reiterated his preference for a more restricted live broadcast. "I would have done it with a couple of images that would have shown the mobilization. What cannot be left undone is to communicate," he concluded.