BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Three suspects were tried Wednesday before a federal court in Argentina for assassination attempt two years ago on then vice-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchnerone of the country’s most powerful and divisive political figures in recent decades.
That day, September 1, 2022, Fernández got out of his car outside his building and began shaking hands with a crowd of supporters when Fernando Sabag Montiel, pushed forward with a gun, pointed it just inches away. from his face and pulled the trigger.
A click was heard, but no shot was fired and experts later said there was no bullet in the chamber. Still, the attempt on the life of Fernández – who was president from 2007 to 2015 – shook Argentina, a country with a history of political violence.
Sabag Montiel was grabbed by Fernández supporters at the scene and handed over to the police. The Brazilian, who has lived in Argentina for decades, told local media in 2023 that he does not regret his actions and that he acted alone.
His girlfriend at the time, Brenda Uliarte, was arrested days later, accused of participating in the attempted murder. The two worked together as street vendors, selling cotton candy. Nicolás Carrizo, friend and boss of the couple, is also on trial, as an accomplice. Uliarte and Carrizo denied involvement.
The process is expected to last at least a year.
More than 200 witnesses will testify, including Fernández herself. O former president, now 71, expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, saying that he did not delve into the ideological motive for the attack and that he suspects that sectors of the opposition could have planned and financed it.
After the opening of the case on Wednesday, she republished on in 1983 in the country and that judges and prosecutors “have the responsibility and obligation to investigate it”.
Although the three detainees had no political affiliation, they were active on social media in opposition to Fernández and the government of former president Alberto Fernández.
Carlos Rívolo, the prosecutor in charge of the investigation, said in mid-2023 that there was no evidence that a political organization financed, planned, covered up or in any way contributed to the assassination attempt.
At the time, Fernández was on trial for alleged corruption. This trial resulted in a six-year prison sentence and lifelong disqualification from holding public office for the crime of fraud against the State. She appealed and the case is pending.
