When power tightens its grip: extortion as a form of government in Córdoba

Three former officials from the Municipality of Córdoba have gone on trial for repeated extortion of supplier companies. Mario Rey, Héctor Rezk, and Guillermo Medina denied the allegations and declined to testify. The case investigates bribes and the hiring of political activists in private firms to favor political interests.

The trial is being held in the 4th Criminal Chamber, where a popular jury has been constituted. The defendants, who held positions during Ramón Mestre's first administration, are accused of alleged irregularities between 2011 and 2013. The plaintiff argues that the officials' conduct economically harmed the companies and encouraged corrupt practices.

During the initial presentation, prosecutor Marcelo Hidalgo emphasized the importance of combating corruption in public administration. He stated that the evidence will determine the defendants' responsibility. The defense discredited the plaintiff companies and the journalist who produced the hidden camera footage.

First testimonies and hidden cameras

Constancia Almada, plaintiff and widow of the owner of Visión Nocturna, told the jury that her company faced losses and labor lawsuits after the complaint. She demanded justice after more than 13 years of judicial delay. The images recorded covertly could be key to corroborating the accusation.

The defense, led by Julio and Juan Deheza, described the complaint as an attack on their clients and discredited journalist Tomás Méndez. They called him a "pseudo-journalist" and held him responsible for disseminating partial evidence. The strategy aims to question the credibility of the audiovisual evidence.

The trial also analyzes the alleged delivery of sums of money and irregular payments to officials. According to the accusation, a bribery rate schedule was established that companies had to comply with to maintain their current contracts.

The facts: bribes and political pressure

The first incident under investigation occurred in December 2011, when the directors of Visión Nocturna were summoned to a meeting with Rey, Rezk, and Medina. They were required to pay percentages of the contracts and hire political activists. The plaintiff keeps that this was an act of direct extortion from public office.

The second incident involved an extra payment of $20,000 to secure a contract and another $20,000 per month so they would not be bothered further. The defendants allegedly took advantage of their positions of power to pressure the business owners and maintain their political influence.

The third incident concerns Centinela company, located in Alta Gracia, which also allegedly fell victim to similar demands. The directors reported bribes and the forced hiring of activists within the company and in the Municipality.

The old politics and the privileges at stake

The trial exposes how officials from the old political class may attempt to use their positions to obtain illegal benefits. The defense seeks to divert attention toward the business owners, but the plaintiff and the hidden cameras aim to hold the defendants accountable.

If the facts are proven, the consequences could be exemplary and set a precedent in Córdoba. The judicial delay of more than a decade reflects the lack of oversight over the privileges of the political class and how this affects citizens and companies.

The debate will continue with the presentation of the recorded images and the remaining testimonies, which could determine the criminal responsibility of the former officials. This case will be key to evaluating transparency in municipal management and the protection of business rights.