Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Sentenced Amid Political Turmoil in Argentina
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, former president of Argentina and a highly polarizing figure, was sentenced to prison and banned from public office for life on Tuesday after the Supreme Court upheld her corruption conviction. The ruling, which followed a six-year sentence for defrauding the state during her presidency from 2007 to 2015, is expected to heighten political tensions in Argentina.
Supporters of Kirchner, who narrowly escaped an assassination attempt three years ago, blocked major highways in Buenos Aires in anticipation of the decision. Kirchner has often clashed with current right-wing President Javier Milei, whose administration has accused her of economic mismanagement and systemic corruption. In a 27-page ruling, the Supreme Court rejected Kirchner’s appeal, affirming the lower court’s findings.
Despite the ruling, Kirchner, 72, may not serve substantial prison time due to Argentine laws allowing house arrest for those over 70. The lower court is set to decide on her detention options. Kirchner, addressing supporters, criticized the Supreme Court and asserted that the ruling was an attempt to silence dissent against Milei’s economic policies.
Milei celebrated the court’s decision, labeling it a victory for justice. Kirchner, who led the Justicialist Party and served as vice president until 2023, had announced plans to contest upcoming legislative elections, which would have provided her with immunity from legal repercussions.
The political climate remains charged, with major labor unions threatening strikes in response to the court’s ruling. Kirchner’s supporters, who view her presidency as a period of expansive social programs, remain steadfast, emphasizing that legal actions against her are politically motivated. As she faces numerous charges, including money laundering and corruption, the future of Argentina’s political landscape is uncertain.
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