A federal prosecutor in Argentina has formally charged the country's former President with committing violence against his ex-partner, the former first lady. The charges include 'minor and serious injuries, doubly aggravated' and 'coercive threats' against the ex-partner, as per the ruling seen by The Associated Press.
The prosecutor has also requested additional evidence measures, including taking testimonies from former presidential doctor and former secretary of the president. The former President, a left-leaning Peronist politician who served from 2019 to 2023, has vehemently denied the allegations and vowed to prove his innocence in court.
The ex-partner testified before a federal court, confirming the complaint she had filed last week in writing. The charges against the former President emerged following leaked text messages in a separate embezzlement case, where he is accused of irregularities in awarding state insurance contracts.
Recent images published by the Argentine press show marks on the ex-partner's face and armpit, allegedly from blows, which she reportedly sent to the former President's former secretary. Since the accusations surfaced, the former President has remained secluded in his Buenos Aires apartment.
These developments have garnered significant attention in Argentina and beyond, shedding light on the issue of gender violence and sparking debates about accountability for public figures. The case is ongoing, with further testimonies and evidence expected to be presented in the coming days.
For more updates on this story and other news from Latin America and the Caribbean, visit the AP's dedicated coverage hub at AP Latin America and the Caribbean.
