Maximiliano Herrera Catalán, an 18-year-old student leader and Socialist Party member, has formally denied any involvement in an attack against Minister Lincolao. His statement follows an April 11 report in La Tercera, which suggested that students from the Universidad Austral were responsible for the incident.
Herrera Catalán claims the report inaccurately associated him with the violence. He asserts that his involvement in the day’s student mobilization was limited to the initial, peaceful phase of the demonstration.
Alibi and denial
The student provided a specific timeline to counter the allegations. He stated that by the time the acts of violence occurred, he was already attending classes.
"At the moment in which the events occurred, I was in class starting at 14:20 hours," Herrera Catalán said. He noted that official academic records confirm his presence in the classroom and stated he is prepared to provide these documents to investigators if required.
Herrera Catalán criticized the news report for its lack of verification. He argued that the publication’s reliance on vague police suspicions constitutes an irresponsible exposure of his personal information.
"The publication not only lacks support regarding my person, but constitutes an irresponsible exposure that gravely violates my fundamental rights," the student said. He added that the association has damaged his reputation and placed his physical and psychological integrity at risk.
The student emphasized that he rejects the use of violence in political discourse. He advocates for peaceful protest and dialogue as the standard for a democratic state.
"My political participation cannot be used as a pretext to associate me with acts that I do not share," Herrera Catalán stated. "In a democracy, differences are resolved with respect; linking political positions with violence is irresponsible and dangerous."
As of now, the student maintains that his public identity as a political activist should not serve as grounds for criminal suspicion without sufficient evidence.
