Kirchner under house arrest: The fight for justice in Argentina

Kirchner under house arrest: The fight for justice in Argentina

As of today, June 17, 2025, Cristina Kirchner, the former president of Argentina, has permission to serve her six-year prison sentence under house arrest in Buenos Aires. This decision was made by a federal court and involves an electronic monitoring device. Kirchner, who served from 2007 to 2015, was convicted of corruption and incapacitated for life from holding political office. The Supreme Court's confirmation of her sentence came just a week before her house arrest began.

You might think this is the final act in a long drama, but Kirchner's story doesn't end there. Their case, described as a conspiracy against politics, continues to draw crowds.

The allegations against her mainly concern the awarding of contracts for road construction projects in the province of Santa Cruz, which took place during her presidency. The courts found a wealth of evidence against her, resulting in her appeal against the sentence being rejected. Despite her high popularity and the unanimous support of her supporters, Kirchner's verdict is seen as a symbol of the deep-rooted corruption in the country. According to a report by Country data Argentina ranks 99th in the world in the so-called corruption perception index.

The concerns about her safety are not unfounded: Kirchner escaped an assassination attempt in 2022.

Hundreds of supporters have gathered outside her home, chanting slogans expressing their loyalty and support. These gatherings are not just simple demonstrations, but also signs of the political polarization that is currently shaking Argentina. The judicial scandal that led to Kirchner's conviction is viewed by many as a "politically motivated persecution." To mobilize their support, the Justicialist Party in Buenos Aires is planning a large demonstration of support, including a march from Kirchner's residence to the courthouse.

Current President Javier Milei, who belongs to the extreme right political spectrum, commented on the verdict. He believes that this is a sign of the functioning of the republic, although he criticized the media and other political actors who he considers to be partly responsible.

With her conviction, Kirchner not only loses a possible return to politics, but also the chance to get a desired seat in the regional parliament, something she had recently hoped for.

Despite the odds, Kirchner is hopeful that her case will spark a broader discussion about legal and political integrity in Argentina. Corruption in Argentina is a long-standing problem, and while corruption levels are consistent internationally, Transparency International's index highlights the challenges facing the country - including as perceived by citizens and the international community.

In a world where corruption is often seen as inevitable, the question remains: How transparent can a better future look for Argentina?