Argentina court splits Hotesur and Los Sauces trials

The Federal Oral Court 5 (TOF 5) has ordered the separation of two major corruption trials involving former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her son, Máximo Kirchner. The cases, known as Hotesur and Los Sauces, involve allegations of illicit association and money laundering.

According to the court's decision, the Los Sauces trial is scheduled to begin on October 23, 2026, while the Hotesur trial is set for March 19, 2027. The judges ruled that although the cases are procedurally connected, they involve different mechanisms, companies, assets, and evidence. They noted that a unified trial could exceed two years and might unnecessarily burden the defense and prosecution with witnesses unrelated to specific charges.

Prosecutor Diego Velasco has challenged this decision, arguing that splitting the trials could jeopardize the prosecution's ability to secure a conviction. He expressed concern that the separation might be a strategy to lead to acquittals. The TOF 5 has granted an appeal, allowing the Federal Chamber of Cassation to decide whether the trials will remain separate or be reunified.