Argentina's ex-president accused of abusing partner

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Image caption, Fabiola Y谩帽ez (left) and Alberto Fern谩ndez. Photo: June 2022
  • Author, Warren Bull
  • Role, 成人论坛 World Service

Prosecutors in Argentina have launched an investigation into former President Alberto Fern谩ndez, who is accused of causing serious injuries to his ex-partner.

Last week, former first lady Fabiola Y谩帽ez, 43, filed a complaint accusing the 65-year-old ex-leader of beating her during their relationship, which ended after he left office in 2023.

In testimony given from Spain, she described how she had allegedly suffered psychological threats and physical aggression, and accused Mr Fern谩ndez of forcing her to have an abortion.

He denies all the accusations. He is banned from leaving the country while the investigation takes place.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Ramiro Gonz谩lez made an official submission to court, asking for charges to be brought against the former president.

The investigation comes after photos appearing to show Ms Y谩帽ez with a black eye and bruises were leaked and published by local media, triggering indignation in Argentina.

Mr Fern谩ndez rejects the accusations against him as baseless.

In excerpts from an interview published earlier this week, he claimed Ms Y谩帽ez's black eye was the result of a "cosmetic treatment".

Under Argentine law, a judge will make the final decision as to whether or not to bring any charges.

Mr Fern谩ndez first became involved in politics in the early 1980s, in the final days of the military dictatorship.

He served as president between 2019-23.