Argentina’s Supreme Court confirms Kirchner trial to start Tuesday

Argentina’s Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that ex-president Cristina Kirchner’s corruption trial can go ahead, after protesters demonstrated against rumors the case might be delayed.

Trial is set to begin Tuesday over accusations that Kirchner favored businessman Lazaro Baez in the attribution of 52 public works contracts worth 46 billion pesos (US$1.2 billion) during her 2007-15 presidency.

Her lawyers had submitted numerous appeals against the case, alleging a lack of evidence.

While the Supreme Court has decided to review the case files, it said that “doesn’t suspend the process.”

On Wednesday evening, demonstrators in several Buenos Aires neighbourhoods banged pots and pans – a popular local protest method – amidst press rumors the trial would be dropped or delayed.

Jorge Gorini, president of the court that will hear the case, stressed that there has been “no change” to the May 21 trial start date.

The 66-year-old Kirchner’s lawyers claim the accusations are unfounded and that there is no proof of favoritism in the awarding of public works contracts in Santa Cruz, a Kirchner stronghold, during her tenure.

Implicated in more than 10 corruption investigations, this is the first such case against Kirchner to reach court.

She is accused of having favored companies owned by Baez in Santa Cruz province during her presidency from 2007-15 and that of her late husband Nestor from 2003-07. — AFP