Argentine Vice President Cristina Kirchner was sentenced on Tuesday to six years in prison, though she retains her parliamentary immunity, and to ineligibility for life, in a trial for fraud and corruption during her presidential terms. At age 69, she was found guilty of “fraudulent administration” of the state in this public procurement lawsuit in her political stronghold of Santa Cruz (South) during her two terms. as president. (2007-2015).
Twelve years in prison were asked against him in August, in addition to ineligibility. The former head of state (centre-left), who seven years after leaving the presidency remains a central, as well as divisive, figure in Argentine politics, has always denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers have asked for his full release. Kirkhner has denounced, since the opening of the proceedings in 2019, a “political” trial, conducted by judges according to her exploited by the right-wing opposition, in particular by the “Macristo” camp, in reference to his successor to the presidency (2015-2019 ), the liberal Mauricio Macri.
A three-judge Buenos Aires panel found the Peronist leader guilty of defrauding public works projects during her presidency, but dismissed the charge of running a criminal organization, for which the sentence could have been 12 years in prison. It is the first time that an Argentine vice president has been convicted of a crime while in office. The ruling is not final until the appeals are decided and the process could take years. Meanwhile, Kirchner will remain immune from arrest as long as he can continue to run for office. And, speaking after the verdict, you described yourself as the victim of a “judicial mafia”. Her supporters have promised to paralyze the country with a nationwide strike. They jammed downtown Buenos Aires and marched towards the federal court building, beating drums and shouting as they pressed against the police barriers.
