Argentina Supreme Court Upholds Ex-President Kirchner Corruption Sentence

Argentina's Supreme Court has upheld a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office for former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, confirming her conviction for corruption related to public works contracts awarded during her presidency. The decision, stemming from the 'Vialidad case' involving irregularities in road construction contracts, marks a significant political moment by effectively ending Kirchner's controversial career. Kirchner and her supporters denounce the ruling as politically motivated persecution and lawfare, while President Javier Milei praised the verdict as justice served. Despite the ruling, Kirchner's legal team plans to appeal to international human rights bodies, and due to her age, she may serve her sentence under house arrest. The case has deeply divided Argentine society, with protests erupting in support of Kirchner, who remains a polarizing figure seen by fans as a champion of the poor and by critics as responsible for economic troubles. The Supreme Court emphasized that due process was followed and the conviction was based on abundant evidence.