BUENOS AIRES – Thousands of people demonstrated in Argentina’s public squares and streets this Saturday (27) in support of Vice President Cristina Kirchner, who is on trial for corruption, demanding a 12-year prison sentence and a life political ban from prosecution.
Protests were called for on social networks. 12 others were indicted for crimes such as illegal collusion and fraudulent administration in the corruption of public works tenders during Christina Kirchner’s presidency (2007-2015).
A police barricade prevents pro-Cristina Kirchner protesters from advancing in Buenos Aires – Photo: Luis Robio/AFP
The Buenos Aires city government, controlled by right-wing opposition leader Horacio Larreta, ordered a fence to block protesters from reaching the corner of Cristina’s residence, the epicenter of vigils and demonstrations last week.
“The fences erected by Mr. Laretta represent more than blocking free movement. They are more than besieging the Vice President of the country”, Cristina published on her social networks. “They want to ban perfectly peaceful and joyous demonstrations of love and support in the face of the already inescapable persecution of the judicial party,” he said.
Police officers fire pepper spray at pro-government protesters in Buenos Aires (Photo: Luis Robayo/AFP)
President Alberto Fernández stated on Twitter that “without contributing to peace, this operation has created an atmosphere of insecurity and intimidation” and “considers it essential to end the harassment of Vice President @CFKArgentina and to guarantee the right to free expression and demonstration. Citizens”.
Employees, representatives, political, union and community leaders joined the call in Recoleta. Thousands of people also gathered and demonstrated peacefully in other parts of the country, including Tucuman (northwest), Córdoba (center), and Rosario (center-east).
A daily vigil since last Monday (22) in front of the building where Cristina lives, the prosecution asked the court to sentence the ex-president to 12 years in prison and his political disqualification for life.
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