Court in Argentina confirms ex-President Kirchner’s conviction for embezzlement
A court in Argentina on Wednesday upheld a six-year prison sentence and a lifelong ban from public office against former President Cristina Kirchner, according to a press report.
She was initially convicted in 2022 for embezzling public funds and subsequently filed an appeal.
Still, the newspaper La Nacion reported on Wednesday the federal criminal court upheld the original verdict.
Ms Kirchner plans to appeal this new ruling to the Supreme Court. Until a final judgment is made, she will remain free.
During their time in office, the former head of state (2007-2015) and her now-deceased husband, ex-President Néstor Kirchner, who was in office from 2003 to 2007, are said to have awarded public contracts to a friendly construction contractor without any bidding process.
According to the prosecution’s findings, a portion of the inflated construction costs was later given to the couple.
The now 71-year-old is alleged to have defrauded the state of around $1 billion in this manner.
She has denied the accusations and accused the judiciary of investigating her for political reasons.
Ms Kirchner is as popular in Argentina as she is controversial. She was vice-president under former President Alberto Fernández but was considered the true power broker in Buenos Aires.
She is also being investigated in other cases of money laundering and corruption.
During his election campaign, Javier Milei, Argentina’s current president, strongly criticised Ms Kirchner’s camp.
“Today, we can confirm without any doubt that Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is guilty of corruption,” Ms Milei shared on platform X following the verdict.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Nigeria’s $40 billion net foreign reserves validate Tinubu’s economic reforms: TSF
“The increase from about $3 billion to more than $40 billion within three years, therefore, represents a substantial strengthening of Nigeria’s financial buffers,” the group said.
Heading 4
Andy Burnham takes over as UK’s prime minister, vows to end homelessness
“On my first day as Prime Minister, I’m announcing this government’s commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity,” he said.
Hot news Home top
Who’s NBA president-elect Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya?
Ms Badejo-Okusanya emerged as the 33rd president-elect of the NBA after polling 12,317 votes in the election.
NationWide
FG, UNESCO partner on mobile learning for teachers
“The initiative leverages mobile technology to overcome barriers such as time constraints, geographical limitations and inadequate infrastructure,” the ministry said.
Economy
OPay leads Nigeria’s fight against digital fraud
Elizabeth Wang, chief commercial officer of OPay, noted that technology should not only make payments easier but also make financial services more trusted and more inclusive.
Opinion
Aderonke Atoyebi: One Year After the Tax Reform Laws: Tinubu’s economic foresight is taking shape
How President Tinubu’s bold reforms and Dr Zacch Adedeji’s leadership at the Nigeria Revenue Service are driving record revenue growth and building a more resilient economy.
