Argentina is once again shaken by a major political and judicial development. On Tuesday, June 10, the country’s justice system confirmed a six-year prison sentence for the ex President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, along with a “lifetime ban from holding public office”. The conviction stems from the “Vialidad” case, where she was found guilty of fraudulent administration that harmed the state by directing public funds toward road works in Santa Cruz Province during her presidencies (2007-2011 and 2011-2015).
Now 72, Fernández de Kirchner has requested house arrest, citing Article 10 of Argentina’s Penal Code, which allows those over 70 to seek that benefit. The Supreme Court still needs to finalize the ruling for the sentence to be enforced.
Supporters of the former president have gathered outside her apartment in a show of solidarity. The atmosphere is tense, with many holding vigils and protesting what they see as a politically motivated attack on one of the leaders of the Peronist movement.
President Javier Milei responded with a brief but loaded message on X (formerly Twitter): “Justice. The end. PS: The Republic works.”
Cristina questioned the real goals behind the sentence: “Do they think this is going to solve anything by putting me in prison? Go ahead, lock me up. Is that going to raise salaries? Fund schools and hospitals? Pay the debt to the IMF? Let’s not be naive.” She also compared her fate to that of others who have faced serious corruption accusations yet remain free: “Those responsible for massive debt swaps, IMF deals, the highway scandals, the postal scam — they’re still walking around untouched. If being imprisoned is the price for dignity, then so be it.” Cristina ended her speech with a call to action for the Peronist movement: “The Peronist Party must open its eyes. This won’t end well. We need activism, hard work, and solidarity. Let’s go back to being true political militants — that’s what made us strong and helped us build powerful stories.”
The country remains deeply polarized. While some celebrate what they see as long-awaited justice, others condemn the ruling and turn their criticism toward media outlets like “TN (Todo Noticias)”, accusing them of bias and political persecution.