Cristina Fernández De Kirchner's Conviction Upheld

Argentina’s Federal Cassation Chamber has upheld the six-year prison sentence and lifetime ban from public office for former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, stemming from her involvement in a fraud scheme related to public works contracts. The ruling confirms her previous conviction in December 2022, where she was found guilty of irregularly awarding contracts to a company linked to a friend. Although Kirchner denies the charges, claiming they are politically motivated, she remains free pending appeals to the Supreme Court, which can further delay the enforcement of her sentence. The appellate court found that the original trial demonstrated a series of government acts that constituted fraudulent administration, leading to their unanimous ruling. At 71, Kirchner may also qualify for house arrest due to age if her appeals are unsuccessful. This ruling continues to underscore the political tensions surrounding Kirchner, a significant figure in Argentine politics.