Former Argentine President Fernández Accused of Abuse of Wife

Argentine prosecutors have opened an investigation into former President Alberto Fernández, accused of causing serious injuries to his ex-partner.

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

In her testimony given in Spain, she described how she had suffered psychological threats and physical attacks and accused Mr Fernández of forcing her to have an abortion.

He denies all charges. He is banned from leaving the country while the investigation is ongoing.

On Wednesday, Attorney Ramiro Gonzales filed an official statement with the court, requesting that charges be filed against the former president.

The investigation was launched after photos showing Ms Yáñez with a black eye and bruises were leaked and published by local media, sparking outrage in Argentina.

Mr. Fernández denies the charges against him, deeming them unfounded.

In excerpts from an interview published earlier this week, he said that Ms. Yáñez’s black eye was the result of a “cosmetic treatment.”

Under Argentine law, the final decision on whether or not to file charges rests with the judge.

Mr. Fernández became interested in politics in the early 1980s, during the final days of the military dictatorship.

He was president from 2019 to 2023.