Argentina’s ex-spy chief faces arrest

BUENOS AIRES: Prosecutors requested the arrest Tuesday of Argentina’s intelligence chief under former president Cristina Kirchner over murky accusations he shielded a fugitive drug trafficker from arrest.

The request came a day after ex- spy chief Oscar Parrilli was indicted on charges of hiding information on the whereabouts of the man who was formerly Argentina’s most-wanted fugitive.

Parrilli was a key figure under Kirchner ( 2007-2015), spearheading her program to overhaul the intelligence services amid accusations they were interfering in politics.

But now he himself is accused of using his post for political ends.

The fugitive in question, Ibar Perez Corradi, was wanted for a 2008 triple homicide, as well as money laundering and drug charges.

He was finally captured in Paraguay in June.

After his arrest, he fought extradition to Argentina, arguing his life would be in danger there because “very important people in the ( Kirchner) government were involved” in his alleged crimes.

Parrilli, however, denied any plot to help him.

He dismissed the case against him as politically motivated, blaming current President Mauricio Macri.

“Argentine democracy is in serious danger,” he told a press conference. — AFP

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