After serious accusations against Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in corruption proceedings, police officers and supporters found themselves in violent clashes outside the apartment of the former head of state (2007-2015). Supporters of the leftist politician broke down roadblocks in the capital Buenos Aires on Saturday, television shows. The officers then used the water cannon and tear gas.
Late Saturday night (local time), Fernández de Kirchner called on her supporters to end the protests and go home. At the same time, she defended the right to demonstrate. She said briefly on a makeshift podium outside her home: “In a democracy, the right to freedom of expression is fundamental. I want to thank you and ask you to take some rest. It’s been a long day.”
Prosecutor demands arrest
In the recent trial of Kirchner, the prosecution had demanded 12 years in prison and a life ban from public office. She is said to have been the leader of a criminal organization and brought in about a billion dollars for the state. Together with her late husband and ex-president Néstor Kirchner, she arranged a whole series of government contracts for a friend of hers, without tendering. Some of the excessive construction costs later flowed back to the Kirchners.
Followers for Kirchner .’s apartment
After the closing speech at the beginning of the week, numerous Kirchner supporters gathered in front of their apartment in solidarity. Some camped on the sidewalks of the upscale Recoleta neighborhood.
After complaints from local residents, the police cleared the road section and placed barriers. President Alberto Fernández criticized the operation. “I condemn the institutional violence used by the city government against a demonstration of citizens fighting for freedom and democracy,” the head of state wrote on Twitter.
Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta responded to a press conference. “Demonstrations are one thing,” he said in a speech at City Hall. “A systematic plan to take over public space is something completely different. We cannot accept that.” As a representative of the liberal-conservative party Propuesta Republicana, Rodríguez Larreta belongs to the opposition at the national level.
Kirchner thanks via social media
Fernandez de Kirchner leads the radical wing of the center-left Peronist coalition that has ruled Argentina since late 2019. The 69-year-old tweeted: “Today I woke up because the corner of my house was literally under siege (…) They want to ban demonstrations of love and support that are absolutely peaceful and joyful and that take place in the face of the already unmistakable prosecution by the judiciary.”
On Instagram she explained: “I want to tell you that even if I live a thousand years, I will never be able to thank you for the love, solidarity and loyalty of all of you. Believe me, at this point in my life there is nothing more important than that.”
The verdict and possible punishment are determined by a judge. But that could take months. In addition, Fernandez de Kirchner has the right to appeal any decision, potentially delaying the final verdict for years.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
