Former Argentine First Lady Fabiola Yáñez testified for four hours on August 13, 2024, via video conference from Madrid in the gender-based violence case against ex-President Alberto Fernández. In her testimony, Yáñez expanded on her previous accusations, detailing instances of physical abuse, psychological harassment, and reproductive coercion.Yáñez claimed that the abuse began in 2016 and escalated over time. She described several violent incidents, including one where Fernández allegedly choked her and another where he forced her to have an abortion. Yáñez stated, ‘We had discussed before, as was habitual, and as a conclusion to the discussion, he hit me from his side of the bed with a terrible punch’. She also accused Fernández of frequent alcohol and marijuana consumption.In a new development, Yáñez alleged that Ayelén Mazzina, the former Minister of Women, Gender and Diversity, was aware of the abuse but did nothing to help. Mazzina has denied these allegations and stated she will cooperate with the investigation.Fernández continues to deny all allegations. In an interview with El País, he stated, ‘I’m being accused of something I haven’t done. I haven’t hit Fabiola. I’ve never hit a woman’. His lawyer, Silvina Carreira, has questioned the validity of Yáñez’s testimony, arguing that the defense was not allowed to participate in the hearing.The case has sparked controversy in Argentina, with some viewing it as politically motivated. President Javier Milei commented on the case, suggesting it was a matter of corruption and referring to Yáñez as a ‘cómplice’ of the government’s actions.As the investigation continues, there are pending decisions regarding potential jurisdictional changes. Yáñez’s lawyer, Mariana Gallego, stated that her client felt ‘very supported’ during the testimony and that there likely won’t be a need for further testimony.
Key points
- Fabiola Yáñez testified for four hours, providing detailed accounts of alleged abuse by ex-President Alberto Fernández.
- Yáñez accused former Minister Ayelén Mazzina of ignoring her pleas for help, adding a new dimension to the case.
- Fernández continues to deny all allegations, while his lawyer questions the validity of the testimony.
- The case has sparked political controversy in Argentina, with President Javier Milei commenting on the situation.
Contradictions👾While Yáñez claims Ayelén Mazzina was aware of the abuse, Mazzina denies any knowledge and states she will cooperate with the investigation.
👾Fernández denies all allegations of physical abuse, contradicting Yáñez’s detailed accounts of violence.
