The man who attempted to shoot Argentina’s former president Cristina Kirchner in the face stated during his murder trial that the failed assassination was an “act of justice” for the “social good.”
“Kirchner is corrupt, she steals and harms society,” claimed Fernando Sabag Montiel, 37, who tried to shoot the then-vice president in the face but his gun misfired on September 1, 2022.
An unapologetic Sabag Montiel faced trial for attempted murder over the failed assassination of Kirchner, a prominent figure in Argentina for twenty years.
“The goal was to kill Cristina,” he calmly stated, revealing his personal motive behind the attempt rather than a political one.
Sabag Montiel appeared in court with his then-girlfriend Brenda Uliarte, 25, who is accused of being a co-conspirator and allegedly encouraged the attack through text messages.
A third individual, Nicolas Carrizo, 29, a friend of the couple, is also charged as an accomplice.
In court, messages referring to the plan to kill Kirchner were presented as evidence.
Sabag Montiel, who worked odd jobs including being a ride-share driver and has neo-Nazi tattoos, wrote to Uliarte: “I’m going to go to Cristina’s house with the gun and I’m going to shoot her.”
After the incident, Carrizo boasted that Sabag Montiel was “one second away from being a national hero.”
“They were fully aware of what they were doing and its possible consequences,” as stated in the charge sheet.
– Kirchner to testify –
It is expected that over 270 witnesses will be called to testify, including 71-year-old Kirchner, in a trial that is anticipated to last “between six months and a year,” according to Kirchner’s lawyer Marcos Aldazabal.
The assassination attempt, captured on video, occurred while Kirchner was interacting with a crowd outside her home who were showing their support during her fraud trial.
The incident prompted global condemnation, with Pope Francis contacting Kirchner shortly after the attack.
Kirchner alleged a broader political conspiracy, funded by her adversaries, but some leads she wanted to be investigated were not pursued by the judge in charge.
“The entire investigation was characterized by avoiding knowing the truth,” stated Kirchner when the case was closed.
Three months after the attack, Kirchner was convicted to six years in prison for corruption in a trial she described as a political persecution. She is currently appealing the verdict.
Kirchner gained prominence as part of a political power couple, with her and her late husband Nestor Kirchner collectively serving 12 years in the presidential palace, Casa Rosada.
She held the position of vice-president from 2019 to 2023 and remains a vocal critic of President Javier Milei.
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