Proceedings in the trial over the sinking of the ARA San Juan submarine began on Tuesday in Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz province, home to the Federal Criminal Oral Court that will determine potential criminal responsibility for the November 2017 tragedy.
Luis Tagliapietra, the lawyer representing relatives of the victims acting as private plaintiffs and a father of one of the late 44 crew-members, said the opening session was devoted to the formal reading of the indictment and procedural matters.
“The reading is taking place, and the different parties will take the floor in case any of them has preliminary issues to raise,” he told the Noticias Argentinas news agency. “The court must rule on those matters. That will likely conclude today’s hearing. Tomorrow the trial will continue with witness testimony.”
The case will seek to establish responsibility for the deaths of the submarine’s 44 crew-members. Four former Argentine Navy chiefs are among those indicted on charges including alleged breach of the duties of public office, professional negligence and aggravated negligent destruction resulting in death.
Both prosecutors and the private plaintiffs argue that the vessel suffered from negligent maintenance, pointing to critical faults and alleging that it may not have been in optimal condition at the time of its final voyage.
More than 100 witnesses are expected to testify. The evidence will also include classified footage of the submarine’s discovery by Ocean Infinity, which remains under military secrecy, as well as testimony from an expert linked to ThyssenKrupp, the German industrial and technology group known for its steel engineering and production.
Hearings will run until Friday, March 6, before resuming two weeks later. Sessions are expected to be held every other week, with a verdict potentially delivered by July.
Other strands of the broader case – including allegations of illegal espionage against relatives of the victims – have been set aside. Those investigations were closed by the Supreme Court and proceedings against the former officials involved were dismissed.
– TIMES/NA
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