Argentina's Trial for Cristina Fernández's 2022 Assassination Attempt Starts

Three suspects began their trial on Wednesday in a federal court in Argentina for the attempted assassination of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the former Vice President. The incident occurred on September 1, 2022, when Fernández was greeting supporters outside her apartment. Fernando Sabag Montiel approached her with a gun, aimed it at her face, and pulled the trigger. Although a click was heard, no bullet was fired as there was none in the chamber.

Sabag Montiel, a Brazilian national residing in Argentina for decades, was immediately apprehended by Fernández's supporters and handed over to the police. He later stated to local media in 2023 that he did not regret his actions and claimed to have acted alone. His then-girlfriend, Brenda Uliarte, was arrested days later for her alleged involvement in the assassination attempt. Both worked as street vendors selling cotton candy.

Trial Details and Key Witnesses

The trial is expected to last at least a year, with over 200 witnesses scheduled to testify, including Fernández herself. Nicolás Carrizo, a friend and boss of the couple, is also on trial as an accomplice. Both Uliarte and Carrizo have denied any involvement in the assassination attempt.

Fernández has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation, stating it failed to explore the ideological motives behind the attack. She suspects that opposition sectors might have planned and financed the attempt on her life. Following the trial's commencement on Wednesday, she reposted a message from Juan Martín Mena, Buenos Aires' current justice minister. Mena described the assassination attempt as "one of the most serious events since the recovery of democracy" in 1983 and emphasized that judges and prosecutors have a duty to investigate it thoroughly.

Prosecutor's Findings

Carlos Rívolo, the prosecutor leading the investigation, stated in mid-2023 that there was no evidence suggesting that any political organisation financed or planned the assassination attempt. Despite this, Fernández remains sceptical about the thoroughness of the investigation.

At the time of the assassination attempt, Fernández was facing trial for alleged corruption. This trial resulted in a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office for defrauding the state. She has appealed this decision, and those proceedings are still pending.

Suspects' Backgrounds

Although none of the three detainees had any political affiliations, they were active on social networks opposing Fernández and former President Alberto Fernández's government. The case has drawn significant attention due to Argentina's history of political violence.

The attempted assassination of Fernández de Kirchner shocked Argentina and highlighted ongoing political tensions within the country. The outcome of this trial will be closely watched by many as it unfolds over the coming year.