Judge Karina Andrade, who trained at the University of Buenos Aires, stated that the primary responsibility of a judge is to ensure that the National Constitution remains untouchable against any political influence. She defended her ruling as the national government and the Ministry of Security, led by Patricia Bullrich, accused her of alleged crimes of malfeasance, failure to perform public duties, and aggravated concealment.
Andrade explained that there was a problem with the accommodation of detained individuals that was not being properly reported, which led her to the decision to release 114 detainees, 94 from the City Police and 10 from federal forces. The magistrate emphasizes the need to respect those who defend the Constitution and to prevent abuses of power by any entity, whether public or private.
The national government maintains that the events that occurred during a demonstration included organized and premeditated violence, pointing to the presence of "barras bravas" and members of La Cámpora at the event. However, Andrade denied belonging to La Cámpora and justified her decision based on the lack of space in the City jails.
The complaint filed requests an investigation into the facts and relevant evidence, including audiovisual documentation. Meanwhile, various human rights and judicial organizations support Judge Andrade's actions, asserting that it is the duty of the Judiciary to respect constitutional norms and to stop any abuse of power.
Judge Andrade will be defended by María del Carmen Verdú, a member of the Coordinator Against Police and Institutional Repression. Despite the accusations against her, Andrade maintains that her action was due to an urgent situation, where the jails were overcrowded and the City Police was taking on duties that did not belong to them. The magistrate stressed that her priority is to comply with the National Constitution and human rights treaties.
The Ministry of National Security is calling for a criminal summary against Andrade for her decision to release the detainees, labeling it as arbitrary action and interfering in a process exclusively within the competence of the Prosecutor's Office. The case has been assigned to the Federal Court No. 1 of Judge María Servini.
