Colectiva de Actrices Argentinas issued a statement in response to the indictment of the Peronist mayor of La Matanza, Fernando Espinoza, for sexual abuse against his secretary. In the statement, the organization demanded that the governor of Buenos Aires, Axel Kicillof, and the provincial Minister of Gender, Estela Díaz, break the silence in the face of these types of crimes.
Kicillof's public support for Espinoza after his indictment generated criticism and calls for him to take a leave of absence from Actrices Argentinas and the opposition. The organization demanded justice for the accuser and called for an end to silence regarding sexual abuse crimes.
One of the most visible gestures of support was Kicillof appearing with Espinoza at a political event in Lomas del Mirador. However, after widespread coverage of the case, the governor postponed an event at the Ministry of Women of the province where the Gender, Government, and Community School would be launched.
Colectiva Actrices Argentinas has asked the provincial government to take action regarding Espinoza's case, who was indicted for simple sexual abuse and disobedience. They also highlighted that the accuser was Espinoza's secretary and worked under irregular conditions.
Espinoza's statements regarding the accusation were categorically denying it as "absolutely false". However, the judge Fabiana Galletti dismissed his arguments, finding inconsistencies in his version, supported by evidence showing the mayor's presence at the accuser's home.
The accusation specifies that non-consensual touching occurred during a meeting in May 2021, which led to Espinoza facing charges of sexual abuse and disobedience. Despite the mayor's defense, Judge Galletti determined his indictment and imposed restrictive measures, although she did not order his arrest.
In this scenario, Actrices Argentinas urges provincial authorities to break the silence surrounding sexual abuse crimes and emphasizes the importance of victims' voices. Espinoza's case has sparked shock and debates about the mayor's continued role while the investigation unfolds.
