Attack on prosecutor Ferrero is a bad sign, admitted Yamandú Orsi
President Yamandú Orsi asserted this Monday that the attack on Prosecutor Ferrero constitutes "a very bad sign" for the country. The president spoke at a press conference after meeting with Mónica Ferrero, the Supreme Court Prosecutor, along with officials from the Interior, Defense, and Presidency.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Carlos Negro, Defense Minister Sandra Lazo, Secretary of the Presidency Alejandro Sánchez, Undersecretary Jorge Díaz, and Director of the Intelligence Secretariat Mario Layera.
Attack on Prosecutor Ferrero and government responses
Orsi stated that when an incident of this magnitude occurs, "it must be acknowledged." He noted that this is an event that requires extreme protective measures for those who may be considered targets of organized crime.
"The attack on Prosecutor Ferrero demonstrates that we must strengthen protection measures and improve working conditions, both for the Prosecutor's Office and for the police officers on the ground," he said.
The president clarified that the response is not limited to the budget , although he acknowledged that resources are essential. He emphasized the need to improve technology and intelligence to serve prevention and investigation.
Institutional support and progress in research
At the conference, Orsi reiterated his "clear and firm" support for Prosecutor Ferrero and the Prosecutor's Office as a whole. He also highlighted the police work, which he said has led to significant progress in identifying those responsible, although the investigation is ongoing.
The president announced that specific responses directly linked to the attack will be implemented in some areas of the country. He also emphasized that the incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen technological resources for public safety.
Political and legislative measures
The president asked Parliament to expedite the passage of the money laundering law and to engage in in-depth discussion on the issue. For Orsi, the fight against drug trafficking requires "serenity and discretion" and must be supported by constant work, rather than public statements.
"I prefer to respond with a lot of work and perhaps with considerably fewer statements," he concluded, emphasizing that the official strategy will be geared toward strengthening the investigation and prevention of organized crime.
Debate and repercussions
The attack on Prosecutor Ferrero marked a turning point in the discussion about security and institutionality in Uruguay. For various specialists in criminology and public policy, such incidents not only aim to intimidate judicial officials but also send a message to the state as a whole.
Orsi's press conference, held after several hours of discussions with the Interior, Defense, and Presidential ministries, made it clear that the government views the incident as a direct threat from organized crime. In fact, in his remarks, he insisted that the fight against drug trafficking requires strengthening intelligence work and not limiting itself to budgetary responses.
Meanwhile, sources from the Attorney General's Office indicated that the incident had a negative impact on internal morale, although it also generated a growing support for Ferrero. Officials from various departments contacted the prosecutor to support her and request greater protective measures in sensitive cases linked to drug networks.
Social and political impact
At the political level, the attack on Prosecutor Ferrero revived the parliamentary debate. While the ruling party announced its willingness to expedite the anti-money laundering law, the opposition issued calls for the appearance of security authorities and demanded a comprehensive plan against organized crime.
In the neighborhoods, the situation is a source of concern. Residents interviewed in Colón and nearby areas expressed fear over the escalating violence and the possibility of further incidents. "If this happens to a prosecutor, what will be left for ordinary people who ride the bus or do odd jobs to survive?" commented a local merchant.
The episode also recalled other attacks in the last decade, where police officers or judicial officials were targeted with threats or attacks linked to drug trafficking. According to analysts, these incidents demonstrate that criminal organizations seek to influence state action through direct intimidation.
The government, for its part, insists that the response must be sustained over time and coordinated with all institutions. Orsi emphasized the need for calm, but at the same time announced "concrete responses" in specific areas, which anticipates targeted operations.
The attack on Prosecutor Ferrero is not only a criminal act under investigation, but also a turning point in the debate on security, justice, and institutional strengthening in Uruguay.
