An Argentine court order issued on Tuesday revealed shocking allegations against former President Alberto Fernández by his ex-partner, Fabiola Yáñez. The court opened a criminal investigation into accusations of psychological terrorism, phone harassment, and physical abuse against Fernández. Yáñez, who testified from her home in Madrid, accused Fernández of daily threats and psychological intimidation, as well as causing her minor injuries in a context of gender-based violence.
Fernández, a left-leaning Peronist politician who served as president from 2019 to 2023, vehemently denied the allegations and vowed to prove his innocence in court. A restraining order was granted to Yáñez, preventing Fernández from coming within 500 meters of her and contacting her. The court also prohibited Fernández from leaving Argentina and ordered him to cease all forms of intimidation or harassment towards Yáñez.
The accusations surfaced in leaked text messages amid a separate embezzlement case against Fernández, where he is accused of irregularities in awarding state insurance contracts. Yáñez recounted episodes of abuse and harassment during her pregnancy with their 2-year-old son, Francisco. Initially hesitant to pursue criminal proceedings, Yáñez changed her mind and pressed charges against the former president.
During Fernández's tenure, Argentina faced its worst economic crisis in two decades, marked by surging inflation and deepening poverty. Fernández, a former law professor, opted not to run in the 2023 election, which saw the election of President Javier Milei amidst public outrage over the country's economic downturn.
