The prosecution continues the investigation into the volunteer firefighters, despite the fact that they are free. The hearing took place without access via Zoom, which is not new. Judge Calcagno, who had previously released the firefighters, decided to keep them free, rejecting the charges presented by prosecutor Francisco Arrien and the head prosecutor of Río Negro, Martín Lozada.
Nicolás Heredia, one of the three firefighters detained on February 5 and who was in preventive detention, will be subject to a new hearing on Friday, February 21. Despite the discrepancies and lack of evidence, Calcagno decided to release all the firefighters on February 8. The community, along with family, friends, and organizations, has called for support and rejection of the prosecution's attempts to criminalize these volunteers.
In the most recent hearing, Martín Lozada argued without presenting new evidence, repeating the same previous arguments. The basis of the accusation is questioned, which relies on ambiguous testimonies, social media posts, and a report from the Río Negro Provincial Firefighters. The community continues to support the firefighters, in contrast to certain media and prosecutors aligned with political power.
In the appeal hearing, Judge Marcelo Álvarez Melinger confirmed the decision to keep the firefighters free, denying that there was any arbitrariness in Calcagno's decision. It was determined that the source of the fire could not be identified, and the presence of accelerants in the area was ruled out. Despite the arguments presented by the prosecutor, investigations continue.
