Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández Charged with Violence Against Ex-Partner

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández has been formally charged with violence against his ex-partner, Fabiola Yáñez, by federal prosecutor Ramiro González, The Associated Press reports.

González filed charges of “minor and serious injuries, doubly aggravated” and “coercive threats,” according to court documents obtained by the news agency. The charges stem from accusations of gender violence made by Yáñez, who served as first lady during Fernández’s presidency from 2019-2023.

Fernández has refuted the allegations, pledging to prove his innocence in court.

Yáñez testified on Tuesday via video call from Argentina’s consulate in Madrid, where she currently resides, confirming the complaint she filed last week.

The charges against Fernández emerged after thousands of leaked text messages, currently under investigation in a separate embezzlement case against him, revealed Yáñez’s accusations. The embezzlement case alleges irregularities in awarding state insurance contracts, which Fernández also denies.

Recent reports in the Argentine press have published images showing marks on Yáñez’s face and armpit, potentially consistent with blows. These images were allegedly sent to Fernández’s former secretary via text message.

Since Yáñez’s accusations became public, Fernández has not been seen outside his Buenos Aires apartment.