A federal prosecutor in Argentina has formally charged former President Alberto Fernández with domestic violence against his former partner, Fabiola Yañez. The charges, filed by prosecutor Ramiro González, allege that Fernández caused “doubly aggravated serious injuries” and made “coercive threats” against Yañez during their relationship, which began in 2014.
Fernández had repeatedly declared himself to be the “first feminist” president of the country, though Argentina had already had its first woman president, his then-Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Throughout his four-year term, the socialist, “feminist,” and notoriously pro-China former president spearheaded several “pro-women” initiatives such as legalization of abortion in Argentina and the creation of a now-defunct Ministry of “Women, Gender, and Diversity.”
Fernández, who served as president from 2019 to 2023, has been accused of forcing Yañez to have an abortion in 2016, as well as committing physical and verbal abuse against her on multiple occasions. The alleged incidents of violence occurred both during and after Fernández’s presidency, including during a period when Yañez was pregnant.
Yañez, who served as Argentina’s first lady during Fernández’s presidency, came forward with her allegations in early August, stating that 2023 was the “worst and most violent” year for Fernández’s actions against her. She also accused Fernández of trapping her in the official presidential residence and forcing her to have an abortion.
Prosecutors found evidence of the alleged abuse on the phone of Fernández’s former private secretary, which was discovered as part of an unrelated insurance fraud case. The evidence includes text messages and pictures that allegedly show Fernández physically abusing Yañez in August 2021.
Yañez has also accused Fernández of cheating on her with his digital communications adviser, Cecilia Hermoso. She stated that she sought help from the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity, which was created during Fernández’s presidency, but received no assistance.
The Ministry was shut down by the current government, which accused the former administration of creating it for “political-partisan purposes” to promote an ideological agenda. The current government also accused the former administration of hiring militants and organizing talks and events.
Prosecutor González stated that Yañez suffered a relationship marked by harassment, psychological harassment, and physical aggression in a context of gender and domestic violence. The court documents list nine different episodes of violence that Fernández stands accused of committing against Yañez between 2016 and 2023.
Fernández has denied the allegations, claiming that they are “false” and that he is the “victim of a cruel operation.” He made his claims during an event where he formally presented his resignation as president of the leftist Justicialist Party.
President Javier Milei responded to the charges by offering to take care of Fernández’s dog, Dylan, stating that he will welcome the dog “so that we can take care of him in the family of the forces of heaven.”
