4 hours Ago
Security, Age Factors in Court Decision
Aged 72, Fernandez will carry out her sentence at her Buenos Aires apartment, where she lives with her daughter and granddaughter. The court ordered that house arrest start at once and be electronically monitored. Any visitors other than household staff, health care providers or pre-approved guests will require court clearance.
The court also cited her status as a high-priority target, particularly following a 2022 assassination attempt when an attacker held a gun to her head. Officials said a traditional prison environment would present significant safety concerns for her.
Belief, Political Implication, and the Public Response
In 2022, Fernandez was found guilty of steering lucrative public infrastructure contracts from the state of Santa Cruz--where her husband was once governor--to a businessman, Lazaro Baez. Such projects, including highways, were purported to be about 20 percent more expensive than normal and could have costs millions of dollars in public money. Other accusations, like bribery and money laundering, are still being assessed by the courts.
Fernandez has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated despite the charges. Her ambition was suspended to contest the legislative elections this year by a prohibition to hold public office and corruption cases.
Fernandez governed Argentina as president from 2007-2015, succeeding her husband Nestor Kirchner. She regained power as vice president in 2019 when Mr. Alberto Fernandez was elected president. Unrelated, both men were accused of disastrous economic mismanagement, characterized by rampant government spending and currency devaluation.
She has been the leader of the Justicialist Party since 2024, the chief opposition to the current libertarian president, Javier Milei, who has held office since 2023. After the court’s decision, supporters gathered in the streets of Buenos Aires and criticized the ruling as politically motivated punishment.
