The Supreme Court of Argentina has upheld the sentence of Claudio Castaño, a 54-year-old lawyer from Azul, who received a prison term of eight years and ten months for sexual abuse against a young man suffering from schizophrenia. The case first came to light in 2016 when the victim reported that he was lured to Castaño's home and subsequently forced into sexual relations against his will. Despite the conviction, Castaño maintains that the encounters were consensual, which he has vehemently denied.

Castaño, a well-known attorney in the community of Azul, faced prior legal troubles including a conviction related to fraud that led to his detention in May 2021. His sexual abuse conviction came after a lengthy judicial process, which saw him initially found guilty in a criminal trial in 2022 by the Tribunal Oral en lo Criminal N° 1 of Azul, under Judge Luis María Ramón Surget. The case highlights ongoing issues related to sexual abuse and the justice system's handling of such offenses in Argentina.

The Supreme Court's decision reinforces the importance of addressing sexual crimes, especially when they involve vulnerable individuals like those with mental health conditions. This ruling not only serves to deliver justice for the victim but also aims to promote awareness and prevent similar abuses in the future. Additionally, it underscores the need for effective support systems for victims, which is crucial in combating the stigma and societal challenges associated with mental health issues in Argentina.