Argentine judge approves former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's request for house arrest - local media

Argentine judge approves former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's request for house arrest - local media

Buenos Aires, June 17, 2025 - In a significant development, an Argentine judge has approved former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's request for house arrest, pending her appeal against a six-year prison sentence for corruption charges. This decision comes after the Supreme Court upheld the sentence, which bars her from public office and makes her subject to arrest.

Fernández de Kirchner, who served as president from 2007 to 2015, was found guilty in 2022 of directing irregular state public works contracts to a friend during her tenure. She has maintained that the conviction was politically motivated and appealed the decision. However, the Supreme Court rejected her appeal, stating that the sentence "protects our republican and democratic system" [1].

The judge's decision to grant house arrest, given Fernández de Kirchner's age and health, is a significant development. Her supporters have been mobilized by the threat of arrest, with some vowing to continue her political movement. Meanwhile, President Javier Milei has welcomed the decision, viewing it as a demonstration of the Republic's commitment to justice [2].

The ruling has significant implications for Fernández de Kirchner's political future. It strips her of the possibility of running for a seat on the Buenos Aires city council in the upcoming elections scheduled for September 7. Her lawyers have requested that she be allowed to serve her sentence under house arrest, which the law can grant to those over 70 [2].

The decision to approve house arrest is expected to be appealed, and the outcome will likely shape the political landscape in Argentina. As Fernández de Kirchner's legal battle continues, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor developments, as the case could have broader implications for the country's political and economic stability.

References:
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/11/argentinas-top-court-upholds-fernandez-de-kirchners-prison-sentence
[2] https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Argentina-Supreme-Court-Upholds-Six-Year-Sentence-for-Former-President-Cristina-Kirchner/