US bans entry for Argentina's former President over corruption

The US State Department has banned former Argentine President Cristina Fernández from entering the country due to corruption charges. Her former planning minister, Julio Miguel De Vido, and their families have also been barred. Secretary of State Mark Rubio stated that both Fernández and De Vido "abused their positions" for personal gain. They allegedly benefited from bribery schemes involving public works contracts, leading to millions of dollars in losses for the Argentine government. Rubio noted that multiple courts in Argentina have found them guilty of corruption. Fernández served as Argentina's president from 2007 to 2015 and later as vice president until 2023. She has faced various legal issues related to corruption. In December 2022, she was convicted of fraud concerning public works contracts and received a six-year prison sentence along with a lifetime ban from holding office. Despite her conviction, Fernández was able to stay out of prison due to her position as vice president, which provided her with legal immunity. Last year, an Argentine tribunal confirmed her sentence and ban. The US aims to hold accountable those who misuse public power for personal gain.