Couple officially charged in assassination attempt on Argentine Vice President

Couple officially charged in assassination attempt on Argentine Vice President

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

The gunman, who tried to shoot Argentina Vice President Cristina Kirchner in the face, was formally charged with attempted manslaughter on Thursday, as was his girlfriend, court documents showed.

Fernando Sabag Montiel, 35, was caught in stunning video pointing a pistol at Kirchner at close range as she greeted supporters outside her home on September 1.

After Montiel’s gun failed to fire for reasons still unknown, he was overpowered and arrested, while his girlfriend Brenda Uliarte, 23, was arrested three days later.

The judge presiding over the case, Maria Capuchetti, charged Montiel and Uliarte with intent to cause aggravated manslaughter, who will remain in police custody, according to court documents obtained by AFP.

Judge Capuchetti has yet to bring charges against two acquaintances of the couple – Agustina Diaz, 21, and Gabriel Carrizo, 27 – who were both arrested earlier this week.

Authorities had previously said there was evidence of “planning and prior agreement” between Montiel and Uliarte, although their motives have not yet been clearly established.

Kirchner, the 69-year-old former president, enjoys a loyal following among supporters of the centre-left Peronist movement.

But she is also unpopular with the political opposition and has been at the center of a heated corruption process since her term in office.

More to explorer

How To Get Your Marriage Annulled

Deciding to annul a marriage is an important and often emotional choice. Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, annulment legally declares