The family of 19-year-old Sebastián Valdebenito, who was killed outside an illegal nightclub in Concepción during Halloween celebrations, has denounced the fact that the venue remains open. The family is alleging a lack of action from local authorities and the Regional Ministerial Secretariat (Seremi) of Security to finalize the establishment's permanent closure.
The homicide took place last year near the 'Museum' nightclub, a venue that, according to the complainants, has been the site of multiple acts of violence and killings. Despite this history, the venue continues to operate under what the family describes as total impunity.
Miguel Valdebanito, the victim's father, stated that he has information regarding the venue's reopening but has seen no progress in municipal efforts. “We haven't seen anything,” the man said, referring to the procedures that the municipality and the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Security were supposed to undertake.
The complainant labeled the actions of public institutions as negligent. According to his account, the municipality is failing in its duty to ensure the safety of residents in areas affected by crime.
Response from Authorities
For his part, the Mayor of Concepción, Héctor Muñoz, claimed to be unaware that the venue is operating again. The mayor assured that if the allegations are proven true, he will take action to shut down the establishment.
“We will make every municipal effort, alongside the police, to shut this place down again,” Muñoz declared. The official was emphatic in promising that authorities will act if the establishment is found to be in operation: “We will shut it down and close it if we find it operating again.”
The Regional Ministerial Secretary of Security, Richard Soto, confirmed that the venue is on the authorities' radar. However, he noted that the police (Carabineros) are conducting intelligence work and preventive patrols in the area to inspect these illegal establishments.
Soto specified that the nightclub in question is "on our radar," but clarified that authorities cannot proceed with closures arbitrarily. The official noted that there are legal processes that must be completed before a closure can be enforced.
Regarding the legal proceedings for Valdebenito's murder, a man with an extensive criminal record is currently in custody. The family reported that they recently met with the prosecutor in charge of the case to expedite the appropriate sanctions against the defendant.