The oral trial for the 'Notebooks Case' resumed on Tuesday with the reading of the central accusation by the Prosecutor's Office. It detailed that former President Cristina Kirchner was responsible for designing the structure for raising illegal funds for 12 years, between 2003 and 2015. According to Noticias Argentinas agency, the accusation stated that the former head of state 'set up the bribery circuit to illegally enrich herself,' taking advantage of her position as the highest authority of the Executive Branch. 'In these venal, free, and voluntary agreements, both parties obtained benefits.' She was pointed out as the 'head of the illicit association' and the only one with the effective power to decide 'how and what to do with the payments' from the businessmen. It was detailed that the money, whose final destination was the Kirchner marriage, delivered at the homes in Uruguay and Juncal and the Olivos residence, was the consideration for officials to 'release a payment, award a work, extend a concession, or obtain subsidies,' placing the companies in a situation of privilege. The hearing, which suffered several interruptions due to internet connection problems, confirmed that TOF 7 will add one more hearing per week, although it will maintain the virtual format.
"Another extortion": Kirchner's post before the 'Notebooks' trial hearing
"Reciprocal benefit" pacts
The Prosecutor's Office insisted that the criminal scheme was not merely a bribe, but a 'corrupt agreement' where both parties obtained benefits. Businessmen achieved favors from the State, and the members of the para-state group, through the payments, enriched themselves and guaranteed the continuity of the illicit association.
Trial agenda: Thursday, November 27: Continues the reading of the request to elevate the "mother cause". December 2: The reading of the central accusation ends. December 4: The reading of the connected file of "La Camarita" begins, which investigated the cartelization of public works and the role of Carlos Wagner and Ernesto Clarens.
