Sentence against former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to 6 years in prison is ratified

An Argentine court ratified this Wednesday, November 13, the sentence of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to 6 years in prison and disqualification from holding public office for life, in a case of fraudulent administration.

The Federal Court of Criminal Cassation decided “condemn Cristina Elizabeth Fernández de Kirchner to six years in prison, special perpetual disqualification from holding public office, legal accessories and the costs of the processconsidering her the author criminally responsible for the crime of fraudulent administration to the detriment of the public administration”, in a ruling whose reading was broadcast live.

He president Javier Milei reacted on his social networks to the ex-president’s conviction and said he remembered that “in the campaign we were criticized for not speaking out about the guilt of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. By the same people who today talk about respect for the institutions. Well, on the day Today (during this government) the Argentine Justice confirmed the conviction and perpetual disqualification from holding public office of the former President. Today we can affirm without a doubt that Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is guilty of acts of corruption“.

Kirchner, 71 years old, She had been sentenced in the first instance in 2022 to 6 years in prison and perpetual political disqualification for “fraudulent administration” in the awarding of road works during his presidency (2007-2015), a ruling that has now been ratified by a higher court.

In the case, known as Roads, irregularities were investigated in the concession of 51 road works to firms of businessman Lázaro Báez during the Government of the deceased Néstor Kirchner (2003-2007) and that of his wife and successor Cristina Fernández in the southern province of Santa Cruz, political cradle of Kirchnerism.

In the event that, as is presumed, one of the parties appeals the ruling, It will be the Supreme Court of Justice that will give a final resolution to the case and, at least until then, Kirchner will not go to prison and will be able to hold public office..

In addition to holding the presidency for two periods, from 2007 to 2015, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner was vice president between 2019 and 2023.

The result of the ruling was as anticipated by the former center-left president, who on Tuesday published a letter titled ‘Los Copitos de Comodoro Py’, in reference to the sugar flake sellers accused of trying to murder her in September 2022 and the court. that ruled against him.

“The ‘Road Cause’ started as a show and will end in the same way,” wrote the former president, and considered that the objective of the ruling is to ban her “for life.”

This decision would hinder a possible candidacy of the former president in the legislative elections scheduled for 2025, although Fernández is expected to present an appeal before the Supreme Court, a process that could extend for several months or even years.

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner denounced a lack of impartiality on the part of the judges who confirmed her conviction and highlighted her links with former Argentine president Mauricio Macri (2015-2019).

Beyond ratifying the conviction for the crime of fraudulent administration of public funds, the Chamber rejected the request of the Prosecutor’s Office to also condemn her for the crime of illicit association and ratified the convictions of others involved. Among them, the businessman Lázaro Baez stands out -six years in prison-, the former Secretary of Public Works José López -six years- and the former head of the National Highway Directorate Nelson Periotti -six years-, among others.

On the other hand, the judges confirmed the acquittals of the former Minister of Federal Planning Julio De Vido, the former Undersecretary of Public Works Abel Fatala, the former Santa Cruz Highway Official Héctor Garro and Carlos Kirchner, cousin of the deceased former President Néstor Kirchner and former Federal Planning official.