Former Argentine President Charged with Wife Abuse While in Office

(CLO) Former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, who claims to be a pioneering feminist leader, is accused of beating his wife multiple times during his time in office.

Federal Judge Julián Ercolini ruled on Monday (February 17) that there is enough evidence to formally charge former Argentine President Alberto Fernandez for acts of violence against former first lady Fabiola Yanez.

Mr. Alberto Fernandez, former president of Argentina, and his wife. Photo: EFE

Along with that, Judge Ercolini decided to "freeze" 10 million pesos (about 8 million USD) of Mr. Fernandez's assets, at the same time issued an order prohibiting the former president from contacting Ms. Yanez and requiring him to notify the judge if he goes abroad.

The verdict was announced after a seven-month investigation. It all started last August, when Ms. Yanez accused her husband of years of abuse, prompting the prosecutor to open a formal investigation into Mr. Fernandez to clarify the matter.

After Mr. Fernandez was elected president in 2019, “the physical violence continued and escalated, more precisely after Ms. Yanez became pregnant (in late July - early August 2021), in the form of choking, shaking, slapping and beatings causing bodily harm to her,” Judge Ercolini said.

Evidence considered by the judge included WhatsApp conversations between Yanez and the president's then-private secretary (containing photos of her injuries), Yanez's testimony, medical certificates and corroborating testimony from family and friends.

According to Judge Ercolini, eight years of “psychological and physical abuse” left former first lady Yanez “psychologically damaged, causing permanent deterioration of her health.”

Mr. Fernandez, 65, served as President of Argentina from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, Mr. Fernandez called himself “Argentina’s first feminist” and created a Ministry of Women to crack down on abusers.

Mr Fernandez can appeal and the case will only go to trial after a ruling from a higher court. This process could take years. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 18 years in prison.

Quang Anh (according to Wall Street Journal, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/former-president-of-argentina-is-charged-with-charge-when-he-is-injured-post335074.html