STORY: Argentina's former president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner said on Tuesday (June 10) that the Supreme Court uphelding of her guilty verdict is “wrong,” arguing that her prison sentence will not change the lives of Argentines.

Argentina's Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a guilty verdict sentencing Fernandez de Kirchner to six years in prison for defrauding the state, while also banning her from holding public office.

Fernandez de Kirchner, 72, who served as president from 2007 to 2015, was convicted in 2022 by a trial court for steering public roadwork contracts in Patagonia to a close ally during her tenure. The decision, upheld by three Supreme Court judges, marks a significant setback for the prominent left-wing Peronist politician, though it may energize Argentina's opposition ahead of midterm elections later this year.

Fernandez de Kirchner, a divisive figure known for her strong support base, denied the charges and claimed she was a victim of political persecution. She had recently announced plans to run in September’s legislative elections for the province of Buenos Aires, a key electoral stronghold for Peronism.

A lower court will determine whether Kirchner qualifies for house arrest given her age.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: SOUNDBITES FROM FORMER ARGENTINA PRESIDENT CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER / KIRCHNER SUPPORTERS GATHERED OUTSIDE PARTIDO JUSTICIALISTA NACIONAL HEADQUARTERS / COURT DOCUMENTS

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS NEW FOOTAGE AND BETTER-QUALITY FOOTAGE THAN EDIT 0848-ARGENTINA-POLITICS/KIRCHNER-REACTION.

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE STORY

SHOWS: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (JUNE 10, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF SUPPORTERS OF FORMER ARGENTINA PRESIDENT CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER CHEERING OUTSIDE PARTIDO JUSTICIALISTA NACIONAL HEADQUARTERS

2. FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER EXITING PARTY HEADQUARTERS, GREETING SUPPORTERS

3. (NIGHT SHOTS) VARIOUS OF CROWD CHEERING AND FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER GREETING CROWD FROM LECTERN

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FORMER ARGENTINE PRESIDENT, CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER, SAYING:

“I think they are wrong because they can put me in jail, but people will still receive miserable salaries, or lose their jobs. They can put me in jail, but pensions will continue to be insufficient and people will not make ends meet. They can put me in jail, but medicines are more and more expensive and inaccessible, not only for retirees, but for anyone. They can put me in jail but parents will continue to believe that their children have the right to eat four meals a day. They can do all that and still it will not do them any good, it will take more or less time.”

5. (NIGHT SHOT) SUPPORTERS CHANTING

6. (NIGHT SHOTS) FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER SAYING GOODBYE TO CROWD (NOT A SOUNDBITE) / FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER WALKING AWAY / FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER GREETING SUPPORTERS

7. (NIGHT SHOT) VEHICLES MOVING FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER AND HER ENTOURAGE LEAVING AREA AMONG SUPPORTERS

INTERNET (JUNE 10, 2025) (SUPREME COURT OF ARGENTINA - Access all) (MUTE)

8. VARIOUS OF RESOLUTION OF THE SUPREME COURT REAFFIRMING FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER'S SENTENCE