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Argentine ex-Leader Angrily Denounces Graft Charges at Trial

Associated Press

   BUENOS AIRES - Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez made an
   unusual detour Monday on her way back to power as vice president,
   appearing in court to defend herself against corruption charges
   stemming from her time in office.

   The former leader, who becomes vice president in eight days, is charged
   with heading a criminal association that defrauded the government by
   illegally granting public works projects in the southern province on
   Santa Cruz during her 2007-2015 presidency.

   Fernandez angrily denounced the accusations as political persecution
   and blamed the outgoing administration of President Mauricio Macri. The
   ex-president at times shouted during Monday's hearing, which lasted
   four hours.

   "History has absolved me, and history is going to absolve me," she told
   the three judges. "History will condemn you."

   She told the judges that she was not going to answer questions because
   "it is you who have to answer questions."

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