Trial starts over the 2022 assassination attempt of Argentina's Cristina Fernndez de Kirchner

BY ALMUDENA CALATRAVA
Updated 3:58 PM CDT, June 26, 2024

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Three suspects went on trial Wednesday before a federal court in Argentina for the assassination attempt two years ago of then-Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, one of the country’s most powerful and divisive political figures in recent decades.

On that day, Sept. 1, 2022, Fernández stepped out of her car outside her apartment building and began shaking hands with a throng of well-wishers when Fernando Sabag Montiel, pushed forward with a gun, pointed it just inches from her 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 served as president from 2007 to 2015 — shook Argentina, a country with a history of political violence.

Sabag Montiel was grabbed by Fernández’s supporters at the scene, and handed over to police. The Brazilian national, who has lived in Argentina for decades, told local media in 2023 that he does not regret his actions and that he acted alone.

More:
https://apnews.com/article/argentina-assassination-attempt-kirchner-18cadbf0eff8795b6c965960697f310c

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ARGENTINA | 26-06-2024 16:05

The defendants standing trial for Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's attempted murder

Fernando Sabag Montiel, Brenda Uliarte and Nicolás Carrizo are the defendants standing trial for the attempted assassination of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.



Nicolás Carrizo, Fernando Sabag Montiel, Brenda Uliarte.
NICOLÁS CARRIZO, FERNANDO SABAG MONTIEL, BRENDA ULIARTE. | AFP

The trial into the attempted assassination of former president and vice-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner began on Wednesday.

Three people are at the heart of these proceedings: Fernando Sabag Montiel, Brenda Uliarte and Nicolás Carrizo.

Fernando Sabag Montiel

Fernando Sabag Montiel, aged 37, is the main defendant. He stands accused of pulling the trigger of a Bersa .32 pistol aimed at Cristina Fernández de Kirchner on September 1, 2022, as the then-vice president was entering her home in Recoleta, Buenos Aires City. Footage of the incident shows Sabag Montiel pointing a gun a few inches away from her head; however, the bullet did not fire and got stuck in the chamber.

Sabag Montiel was promptly detained by the former vice-president’s security detail.

Born in Brazil, Sabag Montiel has lived in Argentina since he was young. His profile on various social media platforms highlight links to extremist ideas and marginal groups.

More:
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/the-defendants-for-cristina-kirchners-assassination-attempt.phtml