Cristina Kirchner imprisoned: Magaldi blasted Navarro in an explosive clash

Argentina's Supreme Court of Justice confirmed the six-year prison sentence and permanent disqualification for Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for fraudulent administration. With this ruling, the possibility of the former president running for office was ruled out.

The highest court upheld previous judicial decisions, considered that there was sufficient evidence, and rejected the appeal filed by her defense. Thus,  the conviction became final and her arrest was authorized.

Magaldi vs. Navarro: an unfiltered clash on social media

Journalist Nicolás Magaldi  reacted harshly to the statements of Roberto Navarro, who stated on X that "there's no evidence against Cristina" and that the court's decision was "similar to a coup d'état."

Magaldi was blunt: "This isn't a coup d'état, it's a reality check. The head of a criminal organization can't be head of state." He maintained that there were "51 rigged contracts, documentary evidence, unfinished works, overpricing, and testimonies."

He also emphasized that the Court didn't rule for political reasons, but based on concrete facts. "The Court doesn't judge politics, it judges facts. And the facts condemn," he stated.

The grounds for the ruling and the political impact

The case, known as  "Vialidad case," investigated the irregular awarding of 51 public works in Santa Cruz to companies owned by Lázaro Báez between 2003 and 2015. The judiciary determined that there was a corruption scheme set up from the Ministry of Planning.

According to the ruling, at least 400 million dollars were diverted through overpricing, unfinished works, and contracts without bidding. Cristina was identified as the leader of the scheme.

Magaldi highlighted that the ruling rejected all the defense's claims and made it clear that the trial was legal and transparent. For this reason, he dismissed the idea of proscription:  "This isn't political persecution. It's a final sentence based on evidence."

Cristina Kirchner had announced days earlier that she would run for a seat as a deputy in the province of Buenos Aires. Had she been elected, she would have obtained parliamentary immunity. The confirmation of the conviction left her out of the electoral map.

After the ruling,  the former president addressed her supporters and claimed that the judiciary seeks to ban her. "The Judicial Party has put a stranglehold on the popular vote," she denounced. She also declared that being imprisoned would be  "a certificate of dignity."

The conviction had a full impact on the national political scene and forced the opposition to redefine its strategies ahead of the October legislative elections. Due to her age, Kirchner could request house arrest, but her legal situation has already changed the playing field.