The Argentine justice system has ordered former president Alberto Fernández to stand trial for “serious injuries, aggravated by having committed in a context of gender violence against his partner and coercive threats.” This decision comes after a thorough investigation into allegations made by his ex-partner, Fabiola Yáñez, a 43-year-old journalist. The accusations against Fernández, who served as president from 2019 to 2023, are serious and have sparked a heated debate about gender violence and the accountability of those in power.
As the case unfolded, Fernández, now 65, has vehemently denied all allegations, calling them “an unprecedented procedural scam.” In a 200-page letter submitted to the justice system, he requested his dismissal, which was ultimately denied. Fernández has maintained that he never exercised physical, psychological, or economic violence against Yáñez, with whom he has a two-year-old son. He also claimed that both the prosecutor and the judge limited his right to defense during the instructional stage.
The accusations against Fernández began on August 6, when Yáñez, who currently resides in Madrid, denounced the former president for physical and psychological violence. According to Mariana Gallego, a defense attorney for Yáñez, Fernández can still appeal the decision to prosecute him. However, if the ruling is upheld, the case will proceed to an oral trial.
In his ruling, Judge Julián Ercolini found Fernández to be “prima facie criminally responsible for the crimes of minor injuries, aggravated by having committed in a context of gender violence and against his partner, repeated in 2 opportunities; serious injuries, aggravated by having committed in a context of gender violence and against your partner; and coercive threats.” As a result, Ercolini imposed an embargo on Fernández’s goods worth 10 million pesos (approximately $8,400) and ordered him to inform the authorities of any trip that involves being absent from his Buenos Aires home for more than 72 hours.
The case against Fernández has significant implications for the discussion around gender violence and the role of power dynamics in such cases. As the trial proceeds, it will be crucial to consider the complexities of the allegations and the potential consequences for both the accused and the victim. Ultimately, the outcome of this case will depend on the evidence presented and the judgment of the court, but it has already sparked a necessary conversation about accountability and justice in cases of gender violence.