A Federal Court judge in New South Wales has dismissed a legal challenge by Adriana Rivas González, clearing the way for her extradition to Chile. Rivas, a former secretary and key aide to DINA director Manuel “Mamo” Contreras, is wanted by Chilean authorities for her alleged role in the kidnapping and disappearance of seven Communist Party leaders during the Pinochet dictatorship.
Judge Michael Lee’s ruling marks the final stage of a lengthy judicial process that began after Rivas fled Chile in 2011. She was eventually arrested in Sydney in 2019, where she had been living for decades.
A long road to justice
Francisco Ugás, a lawyer representing the families of the victims, hailed the decision as a decisive victory. "The resolution of Judge Michael Lee constitutes a decisive step in this extradition process," Ugás said. "We are satisfied with the magistrate’s firm decision to dismiss every one of the arguments and claims presented by the defense."
Ugás noted that the legal battle has spanned more than 15 years, testing the resolve of the victims’ families. "It moves us to see a horizon that will finally bring an end to this matter," he added.
According to Ugás, there are three possible scenarios following the judge's ruling. First, Rivas could choose not to appeal, consenting to the extradition. Under the existing treaty between Australia and Chile, her transfer would then be completed within two months.
Second, Rivas could file an appeal with the Federal Court. However, Ugás expressed skepticism about the success of such a move, citing the strength of Judge Lee’s written argument. Finally, the case could theoretically reach the High Court of Australia, though Ugás described the likelihood of that move succeeding as "highly complex" given the specific legal nature of the case.
Rivas, known as "La Chani," served as the right hand to the head of the DINA, Chile’s secret police, between 1974 and 1977. While her role was officially administrative, evidence indicates she was a member of the Brigada Lautaro, a notorious DINA extermination unit.
Chilean authorities have charged her as a co-author in the forced disappearances of Víctor Díaz, Fernando Navarro, Lincoyán Berríos, Horacio Cepeda, Juan Fernando Ortíz, Héctor Véliz, and Reinalda Pereira. Notably, Pereira was five months pregnant at the time of her abduction.
Rivas had been under judicial monitoring in Chile before her 2011 escape, having been granted provisional release. She traveled through Argentina before settling in Australia, where she remained until her 2019 arrest. The Supreme Court of Chile officially requested her extradition in 2014, and the Australian government authorized the move in August 2024.
