The lawyer who attempted to blackmail Eskenazi will now have to compensate a judge for calling him 'corrupt'
Alejandro Sánchez Kalbermatten has been ordered to pay damages for defaming judge Luis María Bunge Campos on social media.
Alejandro Sánchez Kalbermatten, a lawyer previously convicted for attempting to blackmail businessman Sebastián Eskenazi, is now facing repercussions for calling Judge Luis María Bunge Campos 'corrupt' on social media. The Supreme Court of Justice of Argentina upheld a ruling that mandates Kalbermatten to pay 8 million pesos, plus interest, to the judge due to the defamatory statements made by the lawyer. This case moves forward from an investigation that involved Kalbermatten's prior criminal activities dating back to December 2017.
The court's decision reinforces the judiciary's stance on protecting its integrity against unfounded allegations and highlights the responsibility individuals hold when expressing opinions about public officials, especially in a public forum like social media. The judge, who serves in the Criminal and Correctional Appeals Chamber, had previously been involved in the matter concerning Kalbermatten’s legal troubles, thus complicating the legal landscape for the lawyer.
This ruling may set a precedent in Argentina regarding the limits of free speech and the accountability one faces when crossing the line into defamation. It serves as a reminder for professionals, especially legal practitioners, to maintain respect for the judiciary and highlights the consequences of using platforms like social media for personal grievances.