Argentine prosecutor seeks jail for ex-president
August 22, 2022
A federal prosecutor in Argentina called on Monday for a 12-year prison sentence for Cristina Fernandez, the country's former president and current vice president.
She has been on trial since 2019 for allegedly defrauding the state and involvement in a scheme to divert public funds during her two terms as president between 2007 and 2015.
As head of the senate, Fernandez cannot be detained, but in closing arguments, Prosecutor Diego Luciani said she should be sent to jail.
"This is probably the biggest corruption maneuver that has ever been known in the country," Luciani said in arguing for the sentence.
He also wants her barred from ever holding public office again.
Fernandez and supporters say trial politically motivated
Fernandez had previously denied any wrongdoing and claimed the charges are politically motivated.
On Monday, current President Alberto Fernandez, condemned the prosecution, describing the sentencing request as judicial persecution.
"None of the acts attributed to the former president have been proven," a statement from the presidency said.
The prosecution claims Fernandez favored firms owned by businessman Lazaro Baez in the bidding processes for dozens of public works, many of which were overpriced or were not completed.
It is alleged some of the money would have been paid back to her family through companies they owned.
The court's decision could take months.
lo/jsi (AFP, Reuters, EFE)