Argentines crowd streets to support VP after attack
STORY: Aerial footage showed Argentines packing out streets with banners to show their support for Fernandez, as well as a banner on a building that said "all with Cristina", hung below a mural of Eva Peron.
One demonstrator told Reuters, "The possibility of something happening to Cristina (Fernandez) is unthinkable", adding that Argentines were "saved from something terrible.”
An assailant pointed a loaded gun from close range at Fernandez de Kirchner outside her Buenos Aires home where crowds had gathered on Thursday (September 1) night, but it failed to discharge. Authorities have arrested the suspect, a Brazilian man, but have yet to ascertain a motive for the attack.
The vice president, a divisive figure who is arguably Argentina's most powerful political operator, is facing potential corruption charges linked to an alleged scheme to divert public funds while president between 2007 and 2015. A prosecutor in recent weeks called for a 12-year prison sentence.
She denies wrongdoing and her supporters have rallied in the streets and gathered daily outside her residence, criticizing the judiciary and conservative opposition for leading what they say is a witch hunt against her.
