Call for arrest of former president

A federal judge has asked Argentina’s senate to allow the arrest and trial of former president Cristina Fernandez on a charge of treason for allegedly covering up the role of Iranians in a 1994 bomb attack on a Jewish centre.

Judge Claudio Bonadio asked politicians to remove Ms Fernandez’s immunity from prosecution.

She was president from 2007 to 2015.

The judge also ordered the arrest of several aides and allies of Ms Fernandez, including former presidency secretary Carlos Zannini and activist Luis D’elia on the same charges.

Former foreign minister Hector Timerman will be held under house arrest due to health issues.

Prosecutor Eduardo Taiano said the charge of treason carries a potential prison sentence of ten to 15 years.