BUENOS AIRES, (Reuters) – A federal appeals court in Argentina upheld a guilty verdict for former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner yesterday.
Kirchner, who served two terms as president between 2007 and 2015 and mostly recently was vice president from 2019 to 2023, was found guilty of defrauding the state and given a six-year prison sentence in December 2022. The case can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Kirchner, a powerful figure in Argentina, faced charges of alleged corruption in the awarding of public works during her presidency.
She survived an assassination attempt in 2022, sparking massive demonstrations in support of her.
Kirchner was nominated to lead the Peronist opposition Justicialista Party after former President Alberto Fernandez was charged for alleged abuse against the first lady earlier this year and stripped of his party post.
She will assume the position on November 17.
Argentina faces legislative elections in 2025, but a bill being debated in congress banning people convicted of corruption from holding office could complicate Kirchner’s political future if it advances.
