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The former Argentine president Alberto Fernández is facing a new legal case following the decision of federal judge Julián Ercolini to charge him with alleged acts of gender-based violence against his ex-partner, Fabiola Yáñez.
The resolution, issued this Monday, states that there is enough evidence to charge him with minor and serious injuries in the context of gender-based violence, as well as coercive threats, published the agency EFE.
The investigation, which included Yáñez's (43 years old) statement and more than a dozen witnesses, determined that the reported events were not isolated incidents, but rather part of a pattern of ongoing violence.
The media outlet added that as part of the ruling, the magistrate ordered the seizure of assets from the former president valued at 10 million pesos (approximately 10,000 dollars) and reaffirmed the prohibition against Fernández approaching Yáñez within 500 meters or attempting to communicate with her by any means.
However, it lifted the restriction that prevented the former president from leaving the country, imposed in August 2024.
Judge Ercolini highlighted in his ruling that there are "several elements that demonstrate the habitual and continuous nature of the violence exerted by Fernández over Yáñez," detailing that the former president would have engaged in harassment, intimidation, and psychological manipulation, in addition to physical assaults.
This topic has been widely discussed on various digital platforms.
Fernández, who led the country from 2019 to 2023, is also under investigation for alleged irregularities in the procurement of insurance for the public sector, which may have resulted in a loss to the State amounting to 300 million dollars.
A process with precedents and digital evidence
Yáñez's complaint against Fernández gained traction in July 2024, when, during an investigation into alleged influence peddling, conversations and photographs were found on the phone of a former secretary of the ex-president that purportedly illustrated the assaults.
Fernández, who provided a statement two weeks ago, denied the accusations and rejected the evidence against him, claiming that the complaint is politically motivated. However, the Prosecutor's Office and the judge deemed that the evidence and testimonies are sufficient to proceed with the prosecution.
With this ruling, Fernández faces a complex judicial scenario that could lead to a trial against him, amid increasing social and political pressure regarding the advancement of gender violence cases in Argentina.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alberto Fernández's prosecution for gender-based violence
Why was former president Alberto Fernández prosecuted?
Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández was charged by federal judge Julián Ercolini due to alleged acts of gender-based violence against his ex-partner, Fabiola Yáñez. The accusations include minor and serious injuries, coercive threats, and a pattern of ongoing violence.
What precautionary measures have been imposed on Alberto Fernández?
The judge ordered a seizure of the former president's assets valued at 10 million pesos and prohibited Fernández from approaching Yáñez within 500 meters or attempting to communicate with her by any means. However, the restriction preventing him from leaving the country was lifted.
What evidence was presented in the case against Alberto Fernández?
The investigation included the statement of Fabiola Yáñez and more than a dozen witnesses. Furthermore, conversations and photographs were found on the phone of a former secretary of Fernández that would provide evidence of the assaults. The judge deemed these pieces of evidence sufficient to proceed with the prosecution.
How has Alberto Fernández responded to the accusations?
Alberto Fernández denied the accusations and rejected the evidence presented against him, arguing that the complaint is driven by political motivations. Nevertheless, both the Prosecutor's Office and the judge believe that the evidence is sufficient for his prosecution.
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