Innocents and guilty in the times of Milei: Political vendetta targets journalist's family

Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich is reportedly at odds with President Javier Milei and his sister, Karina Milei, over the stalled judicial appointment of María Verónica Michelli. Michelli, who has over 30 years of judicial and academic experience, has been proposed twice for a position as a judge on an Oral Tribunal in La Plata.

The alleged obstacle to her appointment stems from her being the sister-in-law of journalist Hugo Alconada Mon. Alconada Mon has reportedly investigated several sensitive cases, including alleged corruption involving the cryptocurrency $LIBRA, bribery at the National Disability Agency, and financial improprieties linked to Manuel Adorni, the chief of staff and a protégé of Karina Milei.

Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques appears to be at the center of this controversy. He had previously supported Michelli's candidacy, even proposing her for the role when he represented the government on the Council of the Magistracy. However, he has recently been reported to have requested the withdrawal of her nomination from the Senate, seemingly under pressure.

Sources close to the presidency suggest that Karina Milei, described as the most powerful person in the government, has a particular "obsession" with Michelli and is the driving force behind the alleged retaliation against Alconada Mon through his relative. The article questions Mahiques's decision to comply with this order, suggesting he could have resigned in protest of his earlier stance.