Cristina Kirchner and 86 Others Face Historic Corruption Trial in Argentina
Argentina is beginning what is considered the largest corruption trial in its history, known as the “notebooks case.” The proceedings target 87 defendants, including former President Cristina Kirchner, accused of leading an extensive bribery network during her time in office.
The Origins of the Investigation
The case stems from detailed records kept by Oscar Centeno, a driver for a senior government official under Néstor and Cristina Kirchner. For nearly twelve years, Centeno carefully documented each trip he made with bags of cash, allegedly representing bribes paid by construction firms in exchange for public contracts. His notes listed routes, schedules, names, and at times even the weight of the bags when he could not assess the dollar amount.
The Defendants and Charges
The trial includes 19 former Kirchner administration officials and 65 business leaders accused of participating in a bribery-for-contracts network between 2003 and 2015. Prosecutors claim this system funneled millions in illicit payments disguised as legitimate government transactions.
Kirchner’s Legal Situation
Cristina Kirchner, now 72, is already serving a six-year sentence in another corruption case and has been under house arrest since June. In this new trial, she faces additional charges that could carry five to ten more years if convicted.
Defense Response
“The sentence has already been written. This is a witch hunt and an act of revenge,”
stated Gregorio Dalbón, Kirchner’s lawyer, asserting that the proceedings are politically motivated.
Author’s Summary
The notebooks trial marks a defining legal battle in Argentina, exposing alleged systemic corruption at the highest levels and testing the nation’s judicial integrity.