Facundo Moyano, Argentine union leader and former deputy, breaks silence with a rosary image while his lawyer seeks to lift a restraining order. His girlfriend Candela Arizaga admits to cocaine use for insomnia, denies violence, and hopes to see him soon. Mario Pergolini mocks the explanation. A case blending politics, showbiz, and justice.

The Scandal That Shook Argentina

On August 5, 2026, at 5:03 AM, Facundo Moyano (41) was arrested in the upscale Buenos Aires neighborhood of Belgrano. His partner, Candela Arizaga, was found naked and disoriented, running along Avenida Libertador. The incident sparked a media frenzy, but now the story appears to be heading toward reconciliation.

Moyano, a former national deputy (2011–2021) and current leader of the SUTPA union (since 2025), was initially charged with injuries and illegal deprivation of liberty. However, his lawyer, Miguel Molina, has formally requested the lifting of the 300-meter restraining order that was imposed. According to eltrece, Molina stated: “The bond between Facundo and Candela could, quote-unquote, resume.”

Candela Arizaga’s Shocking Testimony

On August 7, 2026, Arizaga testified before prosecutors. She claimed she suffered a “psychotic episode” after consuming drugs. In a statement that raised eyebrows, she said: “Since I couldn’t sleep, I started using cocaine.” She also emphatically denied being a victim of gender violence: “The problem was never Facundo; he didn’t do anything to me.” She added, “I hope to see him soon.”

Her testimony contradicted the initial police report, which described her as disoriented and injured. The case has taken multiple twists, including speculation about a third person involved that night.

Mario Pergolini’s Sarcastic Reaction

The entertainment world reacted swiftly. Mario Pergolini, a legendary Argentine radio and TV host, mocked Arizaga’s explanation during his show. “I’m not an expert, but someone should tell this girl that cocaine keeps you awake,” he joked, as reported by La Voz. Pergolini sarcastically called the episode a “romantic comedy” mixing “drugs, violence, and unionism,” and suggested chamomile tea for future insomnia.

Moyano’s Silent Reappearance

After being released on August 6, 2026, Moyano stayed silent until the early hours of August 8, 2026. That day, he posted an Instagram story showing his hand holding a rosary, accompanied by a praying-hands emoji. The image, reported by El Día, was widely interpreted as a plea for calm and reflection.

The case also exposed family tensions. Moyano’s father, Hugo Moyano (82), a powerful union leader himself, allegedly tried to impose a lawyer (Juan Pablo Fioribello) for a fee of 250,000 USD. Facundo rejected the offer and received no family visits while detained at the Barracas police station.