Argentina
has put former President Fernando de la Rua in the dock on charges of corruption.
De la Rua is alleged to have paid senators to vote through employment
legislation during the country’s financial crisis.
The
ex-president went on trial on Wednesday on charges including "aggravated
active bribery" and "misappropriation of public funds."
De la Rua,
pictured center, is accused of paying nearly $5 million (4 million euros) in
bribes to senators to pass a disputed labor reform bill in 2000. If found
guilty, he could face up to 10 years in jail.
The
74-year-old president has repeatedly denied the allegations and claims he is
the victim of a political vendetta.
The reform
measures were conditions set by the International Monetary Fund for the
extension of financial aid during the country's economic crisis. They allowed
firms to employ workers for shorter periods of time and with fewer conditions.
 |
| The current president voted against the law |
De la Rua
stood down in December, 2001, amid a violent uprising in response to the
economic collapse.
More
politicians on trial
Other
co-defendants include former intelligence chief, Fernando de Santibanes, former
Labor Minister Mario Flamarique, ex-parliamentary secretary Mario Pontaquarto
and four former senators.
Pontaquarto
alleges the he was given the responsibility of handing out bribes totaling $4.6
milion to each of five senators so that they would approve the law.
The trial
is tabled to last between six and eight months, with nearly 400 witnesses
expected to testify.
Among those
set to give testimony, albeit in writing, is current President Cristina
Fernandez de Kirchner, a senator at the time who voted against the reform.
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