Former Argentine President Fernández faces charges for allegedly beating first lady

Former President Alberto Fernández has been charged with physically and psychologically abusing his partner, Fabiola Yañez, who served as First Lady during his presidency from 2019 to 2023.

The allegations were brought to light after Ms. Yañez filed a lawsuit, detailing a pattern of abuse that reportedly occurred at the Quinta de Olivos presidential residence.

In her court filings, the 43-year-old Yañez claimed that the 65-year-old Fernández frequently assaulted her, including striking her in the face and kicking her in the stomach, which resulted in visible injuries such as a black eye. The lawsuit was prompted by the circulation of photographs on social media that showed Ms. Yañez’s bruised face, leading her to seek legal recourse for the alleged abuse.

Further complicating the case, Ms. Yañez alleged that she was forced to undergo an illegal abortion in 2016 while abortion was still prohibited in Argentina, asserting that Fernández closely monitored and restricted her movements throughout their relationship.

Ramiro González, the prosecutor overseeing the case, has charged Fernández with “minor and serious injuries, doubly aggravated,” and “coercive threats.” In response to the accusations, Fernández has denied all claims, stating he possesses evidence to defend himself in court.

The investigation into Fernández’s conduct gained momentum when prosecutors, while examining the former president’s secretary’s cell phone for evidence related to a separate fraud case, stumbled upon images of Yañez with a black eye and bruises, which further substantiated the allegations.

Despite having one child together, Fernández and Yañez were never married, having been partners for more than a decade before their relationship deteriorated.

In a swift judicial response, Judge Julián Ercolini issued a restraining order against Fernández, prohibiting him from approaching Yañez within 500 meters. The judge also grounded him from leaving the country while the case is pending.

The political repercussions of these allegations have been severe, with prominent figures openly condemning Fernández.

Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner took to social media, stating, “The pictures of Mrs. Fabiola Yañez with hematomas on her face and arms, together with the chats, not only show the beatings she took but also reveal the most sordid and dark aspects of the human condition.”

She highlighted the pervasive issues of misogyny and male chauvinism in society, insisting that such violence transcends political affiliations.

María Eugenia Vidal, former governor of Buenos Aires province, expressed her outrage, declaring, “Monsters belong behind bars,” while Ramiro Marra, a legislator from the ruling coalition La Libertad Avanza (LLA), harshly criticized Fernández, calling him “a piece of shit.