Edgardo Aló’s daughter, Carolina, was killed in 1996, leading him to advocate for laws recognizing femicide as a distinct crime. Following successful reforms in 2012, the Milei administration aims to repeal these laws, igniting concerns among activists about worsening conditions for women facing gender-based violence, as femicides remain prevalent in Argentina.
In 1996, Edgardo Aló’s life changed forever when his daughter, Carolina, was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, stabbed 113 times just days before she turned 18. Edgardo had advised Carolina to leave her abusive partner, but she did not heed his warning. His unexpected arrival at the boyfriend’s house confirmed his worst fears; Carolina was already dead. Edgardo’s grief fueled a decades-long campaign to achieve justice for victims of gender-based violence and resulted in a significant change to Argentina’s penal code in 2012, which recognized femicide as a distinct and aggravating factor in homicide cases.
Now, over a decade later, there are concerns that recent proposals by President Javier Milei’s government may threaten these legal protections. In January 2024, Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona announced intentions to remove femicide from the penal code, arguing that it distorts the principle of equality before the law. This sparked outrage among activists, who view the move as part of a broader trend under the Milei administration to undermine women’s rights and escalate gender violence.
Critics include gender experts and human rights advocates who emphasize that femicides represent a unique form of violence. Women are disproportionately targeted by intimate partners or acquaintances in contexts fueled by power dynamics and gender discrimination. “The violent death of women for reasons of gender is often perpetrated by people in their inner circle,” stated Natalia Gherardi, a lawyer specializing in gender issues, underscoring that current policies must adequately reflect these realities to protect women effectively.
The statistics are alarming; from January to November 2024, Argentina recorded 252 femicides, with a troubling two-thirds occurring at home. At the time of Carolina’s murder, sentences for gender-related killings were shockingly lenient, often between eight and twenty-five years. Edgardo felt the initial sentence of twenty-four years for his daughter’s killer was inadequate given the brutality of the crime, which he argues warrants a more severe punishment based on the distinct nature of femicide.
Edgardo’s relentless advocacy in the years following Carolina’s death culminated in a notable legal victory in 2012, when the new penal code marked a historic change in how femicides were prosecuted. However, under the current administration, his hard-fought achievements are jeopardized as support for domestic violence victims is significantly reduced. The government now limits aid duration from six months to three, exacerbating already challenging situations for survivors.
As Edgardo navigates a life defined by loss and uncertainty, he remains vigilant, living with the threat of his daughter’s murderer having been released early from prison. He carries an anti-panic button for protection, reflecting the ongoing danger posed by systemic inadequacies. Carolina’s legacy endures in the persistent fight for justice and equality for all women in Argentina.
The article reflects on Edgardo Aló’s harrowing experience with the murder of his daughter Carolina, who was a victim of a brutal femicide at the age of 17. This event ignited a personal and societal struggle for justice and led to significant reforms in Argentina’s penal code that acknowledged femicide as a distinct category of homicide, ultimately aiming to provide more severe penalties for such crimes. However, current efforts by President Javier Milei’s government to remove these protections have raised fears about reversing progress in the fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing the complex interplay between societal norms, legal frameworks, and women’s rights in Argentina.
The fight against femicide in Argentina, initiated by Edgardo Aló following the tragic loss of his daughter, has achieved notable legal progress with the recognition of femicide as an aggravating factor in homicide cases. Nonetheless, recent proposals from President Milei’s government pose a serious threat to these advancements, raising fears among activists and legal experts about the potential increase in violence against women. The situation underscores the critical need for continued advocacy and robust legal protections to ensure the safety and rights of women.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
