The conviction of Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner for corruption is political persecution, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro said.

On Tuesday, a court sentenced Ms Kirchner to six years in prison and banned her from holding public office for life in a corruption case. 

However, the vice president is still at large and can appeal.

“From Venezuela, we express our firm opposition to the constant media and political persecution that Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has been subjected to. 

“Sooner or later, the truth will prevail and the voice of the Argentine people will be respected,” Mr Maduro wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, the presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina themselves spoke out in support of Kirchner. 

(Sputnik/NAN)