By Abdul Kimera
In July 2020 when the deadly Coronavirus was greatly affecting many parts of the world, Argentina too, under the presidency of Alberto Fernandez, was not spared, as it decided to impose a strict lockdown to curb the spread of the disease.
After imposing one of the most strict lockdowns on the planet, the president was invited for a birthday party of his partner Fabiola Yanez (first lady)aty the presidential residence on July 14th 2020.
Friends to the first family too were invited, hence breaking the rules on social gatherings.
Prosecutors including the federal prosecutor Ramiro Gonzalez prepared a charge against the Argentine president for breaking the Covid-19 quarantine rules, a case that has grabbed headlines in the country and around the globe.
President Fernandez appeared before the courts to prove that no crime was committed and to also set an example that he can repair what they called a mistake.
He offered to donate half of his next four month pay cheques to an Argentine health institute as a penalty of his actions assuming total responsibility for what happened after the federal prosecutor opened a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Argentina’s penal code act (article 59, paragraph 6) allows criminal action to be extinguished “By conciliation or integral reparation of damage, the president would, if allowed, offer to make a comprehensive donation to compensate for the incident most likely part of his salary”.
Polls have recently showed that the president’s public image has greatly suffered amidst these scandals.
