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This judicial inefficacy "is not good news, and someone must step up (in investigations), because with this kind of progress, the truth is that many of the crimes committed against contractors and forestry workers have gone unpunished," the leader stated.

Through its Twitter account, the National Confederation of Truck Owners sent an "alert" message to its members—especially in the south—as the conviction in question could trigger a reaction of "attacks by violent groups."

GOVERNMENT: "A STEP FORWARD IN THE LINE OF WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE"

From the Government, the Presidential Delegate of the Biobío Region, Daniela Dresdner, valued the outcome of the process, which—she assured—"aligns with" what the Executive expects in these types of cases.

"We strongly agree and are grateful that this process has gone through all the necessary stages and resulted in a conviction that aligns with what we have been working on to provide security to citizens," Dresdner said.

"We cannot allow impunity for these crimes, which are so serious and have generated so much fear among our citizens, also causing a disconnect with these provinces. Therefore, this is a step forward in the line of what we want to achieve—ensuring those who commit crimes serve their full sentences and preventing these individuals from continuing to commit crimes. That is what has been demonstrated here and what is being advanced," the representative stated.

"JUSTICE IS SLOW BUT SURE"

The Regional Governor of Biobío, Rodrigo Díaz, also valued the sentence, which—he affirmed—punishes "people who have caused great harm for a long time."

The attack in this case "occurred in 2021, today we are in 2023, and the saying holds true: justice is slow but sure," Díaz commented.

"Despite potential appeals, we are convinced that the court's decision upheld a very serious investigation by the Public Ministry, leading to an effective conviction. Violent means to supposedly achieve legitimate results are unacceptable," concluded the former intendant.

Marcela Cartagena, Regional Prosecutor of Biobío, recalled the difficulties of the investigation: "None of the victims of these crimes could identify the perpetrators, who—as was and always has been their custom—acted masked and hooded."

"To obtain conclusive evidence, we had to use various investigative mechanisms, different ways of linking the evidence and presenting it when charging, ultimately establishing solid grounds for prosecution," she explained.

"CHILE'S MOST NOTORIOUS TERRORISTS"

Meanwhile, RN Deputy Miguel Mellado deemed "extraordinary the 15-year sentence given to CAM terrorists Ernesto Llaitul and his accomplices."

"These people, the Llaitul family, Chile's most notorious terrorists, are being imprisoned, and that is what must also happen to the top leader, Héctor Llaitul, whose trial is being prepared," the lawmaker said, adding that with this sentence, "people will feel somewhat calmer because the Rule of Law returns to the Southern Macrozone."

Republican Party Senator Carmen Gloria Aravena considered it "a positive signal for the country that justice is served in this case, with the perpetrators sentenced to 15 years of effective imprisonment."

"Chile cannot continue to tolerate impunity for criminals, including members of radical organizations operating in the Southern Macrozone. (This conviction) is a step forward in the necessary dismantling of these organizations if we truly want to curb the violence imposed by these groups in that part of the country... This has been a joint effort by the police, the Public Ministry, and the courts, and we must continue on this path," the legislator concluded.

Source:www.cooperativa.cl