Argentina’s ex-president Kirchner sentenced to prison for corruption

The sentence against the former head of state and incumbent Vice President is six years in prison. It is far from certain that Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner really has to go to prison.

IArgentina’s powerful Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was sentenced to six years in prison on Tuesday for corruption. In addition, a federal court in Buenos Aires ordered that she be barred from holding public office.

Fernandez de Kirchner enjoys immunity because of her public office. Therefore, she does not face imminent arrest. In addition, it is expected that she will appeal the verdict and the case will drag on for years to come.

President for eight years

Fernandez de Kirchner served as president for two terms between 2007 and 2015 and has a large following. Already during her presidency she had been accused of corruption in the awarding of public contracts.

In a livestreamed verdict on Tuesday, the judges found her guilty of fraud against public funds. According to prosecutors, public works contracts were awarded to a contractor who passed the money on to Fernandez de Kirchner and her late husband and ex-president Nestor Kirchner. The entrepreneur was also sentenced to six years in prison.