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The second hearing in the trial against Eva Analía “Higui” de Jesús was attended by technical experts, Higui's family members, and human rights activist Nora Cortiñas, a member of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo Founding Line. “In the circumstances she lived through, I would have done the same,” Cortiñas stated.

The day began in the streets at 8:30 in the morning and at 10:30 the judges Gustavo Varvello, German Saint Martin and Julián Descalzo of the Oral Criminal Court Number 7 of San Martín began the second of the four hearings planned for the development of the trial.

The prosecution accuses Higui of "simple homicide" for fatally wounding Cristian Espósito when he tried to defend himself against an attack and attempted rape by a group of men in which the deceased participated .

“I’m here defending Higui because in the circumstances she faced, I would have done the same. I tell the judges to consider that Higui didn’t want to kill anyone: Higui defended herself as any woman would defend herself in that serious situation,” Nora Cortiñas pointed out in an interview with Presentes .

And she emphasized: “Higui must be acquitted now. We mothers ask the judges to consider her innocent of any crime.”

During the recess that began at 1 p.m., one of Higui's lawyers, Gabriela "Chiqui" Conder, recounted what happened during the first part of the day, given that the court decided that the press could not be present in the courtroom to cover the trial.

“We just finished with the prosecution witnesses. They have three technical witnesses left who are related to the expert reports, and then the defense witnesses will come,” he told Presentes .

He also detailed that one of the prosecution's testimonies corroborated Higui's version.

“It’s interesting because today there was a forensic psychologist who attended to Higui at the beginning and stated that she told her what the events had been and that she was very truthful because everything she expressed gave support to what she was saying,” he said.

The only witness to the incident also testified. “The defense didn’t question him because he’s one of Higui’s attackers. We maintained that position because we know that the events he described aren’t true,” Conder said.

The presence of the family

The hearing continued with testimonies from Higui's family, including her sisters, Taty and Mariana, as well as neighbors and friends.

“I want this to end and for her to be acquitted now,” Mariana told Presentes before going in to testify.

She, Higui, and Taty were always together. Those close to her describe her as always having a tool in her hand and being incredibly skilled at masonry and construction work. She and Higui also share a love of soccer and are always there for each other.

“It hurts me that I wasn’t there with her that day and that she was alone. We were together all day that day, she left and I said goodbye to her on the corner,” she said, referring to October 16, 2016, when Higui went to visit her at her home in Lomas de Mariló (San Miguel) and, upon leaving, experienced an attack in a neighborhood hallway by a group of men who harassed her because of her gender expression and sexual orientation.

Tomorrow will be the third hearing, and among the witnesses will be the expert psychiatrist Enrique Stola. He assisted two of Father Grassi's victims. He testified against him during the trial that sentenced the priest to 15 years in prison for child sexual abuse and corruption of minors.

Attorney Chiqui Conder said there is a possibility that the arguments will take place this Thursday.