El país

Headline: The Surprising AFIP Affair: A Tale of Persecution, Not Protection

Subhead: Unveiling the Macri Government’s 2016 Operation Against 50 Enterprises

Article:

In an unexpected turn of events, a recent operation launched by Argentina’s government has sought to install the narrative that in 2016, the Kirchnerist faction within the AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos) orchestrated a web of protection for 50 enterprises linked to prominent figures and businesspeople associated with Peronism. However, a deeper dive into the matter reveals a starkly different reality.

Firstly, it’s essential to establish that in 2016, the Kirchnerist and Peronist factions held no sway over the AFIP, with Mauricio Macri’s administration firmly in power. In fact, the Macri government did not protect but rather persecuted these 50 enterprises, many of which were allegedly connected to Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her children. As early as December 2020, the newspaper Página/12 reported on these tactics, with then-AFIP authorities, led by Mercedes Marcó del Pont, filing a legal complaint that exposed a systematic harassment campaign against Fernández de Kirchner and various business figures.

The Macri administration established special ‘task forces’ to compile dossiers against these targets, bypassing existing laws and AFIP regulations. Contributors were not notified of investigations, false calculations were made, and fiscal secrecy was breached. Denounced businesses included those belonging to Lázaro Báez, prominent construction firms, the Ciccone brothers, Fernández de Kirchner family enterprises, Oil Combustibles, Electroingeniería, and Alejandro Vandenbroele—who later testified against former Vice President Amado Boudou.

Two audits conducted in 2020 shone a blinding light on these manipulations. They demonstrated that not only were there no Kirchnerist or Peronist plots to protect businesses in 2016, but the Macri team actively persecuted these targets. The AFIP, under Alberto Abad and Leandro Cuccioli—loyalists of the PRO party— was used as a tool to further this objective.

Marcó del Pont’s complaint outlined several violations:

1. AFIP officials did not maintain neutrality, acting in bad faith and treating contributors unequally.
2. Contributors were not notified when inspections began, with notifications sent to nonexistent addresses.
3. The right to defense was violated, with the AFIP neglecting its duty to facilitate contributors’ ability to respond to accusations.
4. Special teams, aligned with the Macri government, were created to target specific groups and contributors.
5. Thousands of irregular database entries were made, breaching fiscal secrecy.

Additional evidence uncovered a ‘judicial dining table’ operating within the Casa Rosada, using the AFIP, SIDE (now AFI), and Comodoro Py federal justice system to persecute enemies of the Macri administration.

In conclusion, the list of enterprises ‘uncovered’ by ARCA (the new name for the AFIP) was not compiled for protection, but rather to facilitate persecution. Many businesses were driven to the brink of collapse, and several owners were imprisoned in Ezeiza. The narrative pushed by the current government’s operation attempting to attribute these actions to the Kirchnerist faction is not supported by evidence. Instead, it serves to obscure the Macri administration’s now-established misuse of the AFIP to persecute political opponents.

"Marking 37 Years of Committment: Página|12‘s Unwavering Pledge to Rigorous Journalism"

In the ever-evolving landscape of news and information, one publication has consistently carved a niche for itself through its commitment to rigorous, insightful journalism – Página|12. Celebrating its 37th anniversary, the Argentine newspaper remains an unwavering beacon of quality reporting, cutting through the daily deluge of data and superficial news bites to deliver stories that truly matter.

Established three decades and seven years ago, Página|12 was born with a promise to its readers – a promise to uphold the highest standards of journalism. This pledge, made all those years ago, continues to resonate deeply today, as the publication continues to provide information that not only informs but also inspires critical thinking and meaningful dialogue.

Página|12’s longevity is a testament to its dedication to its readers and its unyielding pursuit of truth. It understands that in an era of information overload, what readers truly value is not just facts, but a perspective that goes beyond the surface, that digs deeper, that asks the hard questions.

As Página|12 looks to the future, it does so with the same tenacity and passion that has defined its past. It knows that its success hinges not just on the stories it tells, but on the trust it builds with its audience. And so, it continues to strive, to innovate, to evolve – always mindful of its responsibility to its readers, always committed to its promise.

Today, as Página|12 marks another year of dedicated service to the cause of journalism, it looks to its readers to help it renew its commitment. For it knows that in a world where fake news and misinformation often grab the headlines, the value of honest, dedicated reporting has never been more crucial.

Title: Alberto Fernández to Present Arguments Against Judge Julián Ercolini in Domestic Violence Case

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández will have the opportunity to present his arguments today at Comodoro Py against Judge Julián Ercolini, who is presiding over the domestic violence case involving his ex-partner, Fabiola Yáñez. The Sala II of the Cámara Federal, represented by Judge Eduardo Farah, has agreed to hear Fernández’s arguments before deciding on his recusation request against Ercolini.

Fernández’s defense, led by lawyer Silvina Carreira, has raised several concerns about Ercolini’s impartiality. They argue that the judge may have already formed an opinion about the case, which could influence his final decision. Carreira also claims that Ercolini has been "directing the investigation to retain the case" and has shown eagerness in having Yáñez file the complaint.

The defense has criticized Ercolini for not excusing himself from the case when it was sent to a random draw, which resulted in him being assigned to the case despite being the initial denouncer. They also question the allanamiento at Fernández’s apartment in Puerto Madero and the lack of investigation into the constant leaks to the press regarding the case’s details.

Ercolini has attributed eight incidents to Fernández, stating that they occurred within a context of gender violence and an asymmetrical power dynamic between the former president and Yáñez. The judge also mentioned that these incidents have caused lasting psychological damage to Yáñez.

Fernández and Yáñez have a long-standing relationship, having met while they were both teaching at the University of Buenos Aires. However, their relationship soured due to political differences, particularly regarding the resignation of former prosecutor Alejandra Gils Carbó and the stance against former President Cristina Kirchner.

The hearing is set for December 26, with the option for the parties to choose between an oral hearing or submitting memorials through the Lex.100 system. This comes after Judge Farah previously rejected Fernández’s recusation request against prosecutor Ramiro González, who is handling the case.

Initially, Fernández had requested that the case be handled in the federal court of San Isidro, arguing that the incidents occurred at the Olivos estate. However, the Cámara Federal de Casación Penal ultimately decided that the case should remain in the federal courts of Retiro.

Title: Outrage Grows Over Buenos Aires Official‘s Brawl with Teen; Defender Steps In

Article:

In an escalating controversy, Argentina’s new subsecretary of Intelligence, Diego Kravetz, is under scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him assaulting a detained adolescent. While the government and its sympathizers have attempted to downplay the incident, a building superintendent who witnessed the scene has spoken out, expressing his outrage at the official’s actions.

Pablo Rodas, a 53-year-old father of three, told Pagina/12 that he was appalled by Kravetz’s behavior. "It was disgraceful to see him assault a teenager who was already detained and searched by police. I have a son the same age, and I know it could have been him. This was plain vigilantism, and it’s unacceptable, especially from a high-ranking official," Rodas said.

The incident, which occurred in October when Kravetz was still Buenos Aires’ security secretary, was recorded by the building’s CCTV. The video shows Kravetz approaching a minor who was stopped by police, allegedly for public disturbance. Without provocation, Kravetz proceeds to strike the teenager repeatedly, despite the presence of multiple officers. The officers eventually intervene to separate them. According to Rodas, the teenager was not the one who stole Kravetz’s son’s cell phone and was likely detained due to racial profiling.

Moreover, Carlos Rodas revealed that the teenage victim had actually been waiting at the scene to receive medical attention at a nearby hospital. Rodas contends that Kravetz’s actions were driven by impulse and not justice, and that such behavior sets a dangerous precedent for Buenos Aires’ police force.

Meanwhile, Marisa Graham, the Defender of Children’s Rights, has weighed in on the matter. She will present a statement today to request that Kravetz’s actions be investigated for institutional violence and abuse of authority. "If a high-ranking official can assault a child with impunity, how can we expect police officers to refrain from similar actions?" Graham questioned.

Graham’s intervention comes after the initial complaint was made but failed to gain traction. The case, registered under Legajo MPF 1078298, has been stalled due to apparent protection of Kravetz by the justice system. Graham has demanded that the case be reopened and Kravetz held accountable for his actions.

The controversy comes amidst a bitter political backdrop, as Kravetz’s appointment to subsecretary of Intelligence has sparked a brewing conflict between former president Mauricio Macri and libertarian politician Javier Milei. intersects. Kravetz’s past as secretary of security in Lanús, where he defended police forces who raided a soup kitchen and assaulted its occupants, has further exacerbated public outcry against his appointment. Despite this, Kravetz’s designation has not been made official in the Official Gazette, raising questions about its legitimacy.