De Kirchner's corruption conviction upheld

One of Argentina's most powerful – and polarising – political figures is heading to prison. Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has been sentenced to six years for corruption and permanently banned from holding public office.Kirchner, 72, who led Argentina for two terms from 2007 to 2015, was found guilty in 2022 of steering dozens of public works contracts during her presidency to a construction company owned by a close friend. The case, one of the most high-profile corruption trials in the country's recent history, has sharply divided Argentines.Kirchner and her lawyers appealed the conviction, as her supporters launched large protests – blocking roads and gathering outside the Supreme Court in Buenos Aires. But on Tuesday, the justices upheld both the sentence and the lifetime political ban.In a resolution provided to the Associated Press, the judges said the sentence "does nothing more than to protect our republican and democratic system".Speaking outside the courtroom, Kirchner denounced the ruling as politically motivated, accusing the judges of "restricting the popular vote". She had been planning a political comeback by running for local office – an elected position that, if she'd won, would have granted the Peronist politician legal immunity.Because of her age, Kirchner is likely to serve her sentence under house arrest, as allowed under Argentine law for defendants over 70.

De Kirchner's corruption conviction upheld

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-31

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De Kirchner's corruption conviction upheld

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-31

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