Argentina's Supreme Court Finalizes Eight Year Prison Sentence for Former Governor Sergio Urribarri

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation has finalized an eight year prison sentence against Sergio Urribarri, the former governor of Entre Ríos. The court rejected an extraordinary resource presented by the defense, making the conviction for embezzlement and negotiations incompatible with public office firm. In addition to the prison term, the ruling establishes a perpetual disqualification from holding public office. Urribarri, who governed the province from 2007 to 2015, was originally sentenced on April 7, 2022. The court found that he directed state advertising contracts for private purposes, including benefiting his brother in law, Juan Pablo Aguilera, who received a six year sentence. Other investigated matters included the installation of a resort in Mar del Plata and payments to a production company for Mercosur Summit spots. Urribarri previously served as the Argentine ambassador to Israel but resigned in 2022 following the initial conviction. He previously spent 50 days in detention in 2024 before being released pending the Supreme Court's decision. He now faces imminent detention, with potential locations including penal units in Concordia, Gualeguaychú, or Paraná. While he does not meet the age requirement of 70 for automatic house arrest, his defense may argue for the benefit based on his history of hypertension and heart problems.