The attack on prosecutor Mónica Ferrero has once again brought the security of judicial officials in Uruguay into question.
The attack on prosecutor Mónica Ferrero was the focus of the press conference held this Sunday by Interior Minister Carlos Negro . The attack occurred around 5:00 a.m. and led to a major police operation.
Negro expressed support for the Supreme Court Prosecutor and assured that the judicial investigation will continue unabated. "This type of action, which Dr. Ferrero is familiar with from her experience in the area of narcotics and the strategies used by criminal groups, will not move the actions of the Prosecutor's Office, the Justice Department, or the National Police one inch," he stated.
First arrests after the attack
The minister confirmed that the police have arrested two people as direct suspects: a man and a woman. He explained that there is evidence linking them to the attack. "They've already started to fall. They're not the only ones, nor will they be the last to fall," he warned.
Negro explained that the incident bears similar characteristics to past attacks against institutions and officials linked to the fight against drug trafficking. Among them, he mentioned attacks against the General Directorate for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking and against the former director of the National Rehabilitation Institute, Luis Eduardo Mendoza.
Recent background and context
The official also recalled that less than two months ago, 2,200 kilos of cocaine were seized, an operation valued at nearly $15 million in Uruguay and more than $70 million in the international markets where it was destined. In this context, he maintained that the attacks are a response to the pressure the fight against drug trafficking is putting on criminal organizations.
Negro stated that, after learning of the attack on Prosecutor Mónica Ferrero, he immediately contacted her and the President of the Republic, Yamandú Orsi. He also participated in meetings with Undersecretary Gabriela Valverde, the Director of the National Police, José Azambuya, the Director of Investigations, Julio Sena, and the Director of Forensic Science, Jhony Silva.
Ongoing investigation
The minister announced that the case will be handled by prosecutor Angelita Romano, who will be in charge of the judicial investigation. "Several lines of work are being followed, and no hypothesis has been ruled out," he explained.
Interior Ministry 's priority is to ensure the safety of the Court Prosecutor and her entourage, in addition to collaborating directly with the Justice Department in gathering evidence.
The incident adds to a series of events that have put authorities on alert about the escalation of drug-related violence in Uruguay . The minister reiterated that, despite the severity of the attack, the country's institutions will not be defeated.
According to Minister Negro, the attack on the Court Prosecutor confirms patterns of organized crime.
The attack on prosecutor Mónica Ferrero has rekindled the debate over the safety of judicial officials in Uruguay. For years, various magistrates' associations have warned about the growing risk faced by prosecutors and judges investigating drug trafficking crimes. The need to strengthen personal protection and that of their families, as well as to improve custody protocols at their homes and workplaces, has been repeatedly raised.
Security experts point out that attacks of this type seek to generate an intimidating effect beyond the person directly affected. The goal is to send a message to the judicial system as a whole, seeking to sow fear and influence future decisions. Faced with this scenario, various political actors have agreed on the urgent need to strengthen cooperation between the Attorney General's Office, the Police, and the Executive Branch. The common demand is that judicial proceedings continue and that those responsible be identified and punished with the utmost legal rigor.
