Feb 10 • 19:41 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

The 45-year prison sentence for a man accused of raping and beating to death his three-year-old stepdaughter is upheld

Argentina's Supreme Court has upheld a 45-year prison sentence for Sergio Nicolás Argañaraz, convicted of raping and killing three-year-old Mía Aguirre.

In a significant ruling, the Argentine Supreme Court has confirmed the 45-year prison sentence for Sergio Nicolás Argañaraz, who was found guilty of sexually abusing and brutally murdering three-year-old Mía Aguirre. The incident occurred in August 2014, when Mía was rushed to the Hospital de Niños de La Plata. Her attempts to explain Mía's injuries, along with her mother Cecilia Cabrera, were inconsistent and ultimately proven to be false by medical examinations.

Mía Aguirre had a troubling history of presenting to medical facilities with unexplained injuries prior to her death, raising concerns about her safety in her home environment. The contrasting statements provided by both Argañaraz and Cabrera—including allegations that Mía was hurt while 'playing with pigs' and various other implausible scenarios—were systematically debunked. This led to a broader discussion about child protection and the responsibilities of caregivers, particularly in cases of domestic violence and abuse.

The case is emblematic of ongoing issues regarding the safety of children in Argentina, prompting calls for improved legal protections and support systems for vulnerable children. The acknowledgment of the sentencing by the Supreme Court is a crucial step in reinforcing the legal repercussions for such crimes and highlights the importance of taking reports of child abuse seriously. Authorities and advocates now emphasize a need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies like that of Mía Aguirre.

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