The Argentine Federal Court has sentenced Argentine Vice President and ex-president Cristina Kirchner in a corruption case – she was given 6 years in prison, Reuters reports . She was also banned from holding public office for life. At the same time, they will not be able to send Kirchner to prison until they are deprived of her post or until her term of office expires in December 2023.
The court ruled that Kirchner, as president, gave budget contracts to construction tycoon Lazaro Baesa, who in turn transferred the money to Kirchner herself and her husband, also an ex-president. Baez's company, the prosecution argued, was created specifically to master the budget.
Kirchner pleaded not guilty and stated that she was the victim of prosecution. Baez was also sentenced to six years in prison.
As long as Kirchner remains at large, her immunity as a civil servant is in effect. Kirchner vowed to appeal the verdict, and the trial could drag on for years.
This is not the only case against Kirchner, she is also accused of money laundering involving her children.
Cristina Kirchner served as President of Argentina from 2007–2015. In 2019, a criminal case was opened against her for the theft of historical documents that were found from her during a search. Kirchner claimed they were given to her by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he "didn't know what he was talking about."