Argentine ex-president denounces political persecution
Source: Reuters
Argentina's former president Cristina Fernandez accused the government of political persecution on Wednesday after testifying in court about alleged irregularities at the central bank that occurred under her watch.
In a defiant speech outside the federal court in Buenos Aires, Fernandez addressed tens of thousands of supporters who showed up in the rain to cheer her on, beating drums and singing: "If they touch Cristina, we're gonna create chaos".
"They can call me to testify 20 more times. They can imprison me. But they will not be able to silence me," she said.
Fernandez, who was constitutionally barred last year from running for a third consecutive presidential term, is a divisive figure, revered by many for generous welfare programs and reviled by others for economic policies such as nationalizing businesses and currency controls.
She was called to testify on Wednesday about charges against the central bank for selling U.S. dollar futures at below-market rates during her presidency, costing the government billions of dollars.
The 63-year-old former president said the bank's actions were legitimate and the case against her was an "abuse of judicial power."
Fernandez attacked President Mauricio Macri, who has implemented a string of unpopular austerity policies since taking power last December, such as a steep currency devaluation and cuts in gas, power and transportation subsidies.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-argentina-court-fernandez-idUSKCN0XA1PY
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