Building superintendent recants testimony in Cristina Kirchner corruption trial, denies seeing bags

In a significant turn during the "Cuadernos de las Coimas" (Notebooks of Bribes) trial, Héctor Silva, the building superintendent for former Argentine President Cristina Kirchner's residence in Recoleta, has dramatically altered his testimony. This development casts a new light on the accusations surrounding the alleged funneling of illicit funds.

Silva, who had previously stated in 2018 that he observed regular weekly or bi-weekly movements of bags and suitcases at the apartment—implying they were used to transport collected money—now claims he never made such statements. Appearing before the oral trial court, he declared, "That about them coming with bags and suitcases, I didn't say that." He further asserted, "I committed an offense and I accept it. I signed, but I didn't agree. I didn't even read it."

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I committed an offense and I accept it. I signed, but I didn't agree. I didn't even read it.

This retraction is crucial, as Silva's earlier testimony was presented by prosecutors as evidence of the apartment being a final destination for illegally obtained funds. His current declaration directly challenges this narrative. From our perspective in Argentina, witness credibility is paramount in high-profile trials. Silva's admission of signing a statement he didn't fully agree with or read raises serious questions about the integrity of the evidence gathered in the initial stages of this investigation. The trial continues, but this recantation undeniably impacts the prosecution's case.

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That about them coming with bags and suitcases, I didn't say that.