Former president Alberto Fernández could face up to 18 years in jail after being charged on Monday with aggravated battery and threats against the former first lady, Fabiola Yañez.

Judicial sources told the Herald’s sister publication Ambito that Federal Judge Julián Ercolini charged Fernández with two instances of physical assault motivated by gender-based violence. He also lifted a travel ban on the former president and froze assets worth AR$10 million (US$9,190 at the official dollar rate).

“Through systematic violence perpetrated in multiple forms […] from 2016 until August 6, 2024, Alberto Fernández caused harm that deteriorated Fabiola Yañez’s capacity for individual, family, social, recreational, and occupational enjoyment which has significantly conditioned her autonomy, self-esteem, and quality of life,” said Ercolini in his 184-page ruling. He highlighted the alleged presence of daily physical and psychological violence, from blows to insults, and cited gender-based violence as the aggravating factor.

The former president refused to show up to court when summoned for questioning on February 4. Fernández instead filed a 222-page statement decrying judicial persecution and published a lengthy social media post denying that he had ever hurt his former partner.

Allegations that Fernández had been abusive to Yañez first surfaced through press reports at the beginning of August 2024. Yañez reported Fernández for gender-based violence days later. Photos of Yánez’s bruised face were subsequently leaked and published by the press on August 8, causing nationwide uproar. 

Fernández was charged with aggravated battery and violent threats on August 11. If found guilty, he could go to jail for 18 years. Under Argentine law, a prosecutor can charge someone while a crime is being investigated. The judge can later confirm the charges if they deem that there is sufficient evidence to back them.

In November, Ramiro González, head of the Prosecutor’s Office, said they had proved that Fernández hit Yáñez in the eye, caused a bruise on her arm, and inflicted “grave psychological harm” on her. Fernández also threatened Yáñez, saying he would rescind child support and go public with personal details if she filed a criminal complaint against him.

The former president has yet to make a public statement about Monday’s charges. 

With reporting by Ambito