"Lázaro Báez convicted and acquitted: Argentine justice on a tightrope"

The name of Lázaro Báez has once again resonated in the Argentine judicial sphere, following a new conviction for the crime of "aggravated money laundering." However, the controversy surrounding his legal situation does not end there, as he was also acquitted in another case in Chaco, keeping attention alive on the network of corruption that has implicated several figures from Kirchnerism. Despite these judicial decisions, the reality is that Báez continues to enjoy his freedom, a constant in the handling of cases linked to figures of Kirchnerism who, although convicted, find ways to avoid prison. The web of corruption that has been uncovered around Kirchnerism is vast and complex. During Alberto Fernández's presidency, several officials also faced accusations and convictions, although many of these cases seem to be more individual in nature rather than part of an organized structure as seen in cases involving figures like Báez and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The public perception of this duality has fueled a sense of impunity surrounding many former officials. Over the years, several members of Kirchnerism have alternated between prison and freedom. Some, like José López and Ricardo Jaime, shared cells in the Ezeiza penitentiary, where the hallways have seen emblematic figures from Argentine politics pass through. The presence of these characters in prison has been rather intermittent, generating a climate of confusion and distrust regarding the judicial system and its ability to carry out fair and effective processes. Former Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is one of the most prominent names on the list of accused in multiple cases, with a total of nine open files against her. Among them, the Vialidad case stands out, in which she is accused of fraudulently managing public funds. The conviction she received in 2022, although significant, is still not final, allowing her to remain free while awaiting a decision from the Court of Cassation regarding her case. Another case that has gained relevance is the Cuadernos case, in which the oral trial has yet to begin. This case, which has remained in judicial limbo since 2019, reflects the slowness of the Argentine judicial system and the way some cases seem to stagnate while others progress steadily. The delay in processing this case has been subject to criticism, as many Argentines await clear answers about corruption at high levels of government. For its part, the Memorandum with Iran, related to the cover-up of the AMIA bombing, presents an even darker background. The death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman, who had accused CFK of cover-up, adds an aura of mystery to a case that has left indelible marks on Argentine politics. Despite the multiple scandals, Cristina has been cleared in this matter, further contributing to the perception that the system grants her a sort of protection. The situation of other former officials is equally intriguing, such as that of Amado Boudou, who has experienced ups and downs in his legal situation but is currently on probation. His conviction in the Ciccone Calcográfica case, where he was accused of passive bribery and incompatible negotiations, highlights the chaotic nature of justice in these cases. Simultaneously, former Minister of Federal Planning, Julio de Vido, has seen his sentence divided across various cases but continues to maintain active contact with other former officials, blurring the lines between conviction and impunity. The recent acquittal of Lázaro Báez in the Sucesión Adelmo Biancalani case, where he was accused of aggravated tax evasion, has generated an uproar in public opinion. Despite previous convictions and the clamor for firmer justice, the court decided to acquit him, fueling the narrative that those convicted in Kirchnerism seem to find refuge in a judicial maze that does not always act coherently. In the same vein, other former secretaries and officials have faced convictions that do not seem to have real consequences in terms of actual prison time. Guillermo Moreno, for example, has been sentenced to multiple penalties for manipulating public data, but so far, he has yet to set foot in a cell. This situation has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of sentences and the apparent lack of consequences for those who have misappropriated public funds. The current landscape shows a complex reality in which justice seems to be indefinitely delayed, while corruption takes root in the foundations of Argentine politics. Convictions and acquittals, far from offering clarity, have generated a climate of confusion and distrust. The perception that some former officials manage to evade prison perpetuates the frustration of a citizenry that demands justice and transparency in the management of public resources. Thus, the case of Lázaro Báez and his recent conviction adds to a long list of situations that highlight the need for profound reform in the Argentine judicial system, allowing not only for judgment but also for the effective application of penalties to those guilty of corruption. In a context where impunity seems to be the rule rather than the exception, the challenge is clear: to restore public confidence that justice can and must be impartial.