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Former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has gone before a judge as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the granting of public works contracts.

Thousands of sympathizers cheered Fernandez outside the courthouse in Buenos Aires as she entered closed-door questioning on Monday.

She later told reporters that she's a victim of political persecution and denied accusations that she abused her power while in office.

Federal Judge Julian Ercolini called Fernandez to testify in an investigation of alleged money laundering by millionaire businessman Lazaro Baez.

Baez has been arrested and accused of embezzling and money laundering. He received public works contracts during the 12 years that Fernandez and her late husband and predecessor as president, Nestor Kirchner, were in power.