Protests in Buenos Aires organized by retirees turned violent, with at least 20 injured and 103 detained. The demonstration saw support from football fans, while police used tear gas and rubber bullets to suppress the crowd. An 87-year-old woman was injured, and a photojournalist was seriously hurt during the unrest as demands for higher pensions were made.
On Wednesday, a protest in Buenos Aires, Argentina, organized by retirees escalated into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in at least 20 injuries. The protest, which also witnessed participation from football fans, unions, and progressive groups, saw police employing tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators, including individuals of all ages. Reports indicate that 103 people were detained during the unrest.
Social media footage documented distressing incidents, including police officers violently confronting demonstrators. Notably, an 87-year-old woman suffered a head injury amidst the chaos while fellow protesters attempted to offer assistance. Among those harmed was photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who sustained serious injuries from a gas canister to his head while covering the event.
In response to the demonstration, numerous football fans engaged by throwing sticks and cans at police, who addressed the aggression using shields. An extensive police force, estimated at 800 officers, was present to control the situation. The retirees, who routinely gather at the National Congress on Wednesday afternoons, were advocating for higher pensions and enhanced living conditions.
This week, the retirees attracted additional support from various prominent football clubs, including Boca Juniors and River Plate, with collective slogans expressing solidarity, such as “We are with the retirees”. Prior to the protests, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich had announced a significant deployment of armed forces to maintain order, stating, “Our forces are deployed to enforce the protocol. Traffic is not blocked, and hooligans will stay on the sidewalk.”
Tensions heightened near Congress at around 5:30 p.m. local time when police utilized rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters, resulting in ongoing clashes marked by objects being thrown at officers.
The violent protests in Buenos Aires highlighted the growing frustrations among retirees regarding pension issues and living conditions, compounded by a response from law enforcement that escalated tensions. As various social groups united in support, the situation underscored the urgent need for dialogue between the government and its citizens concerning social welfare. The significant police presence and subsequent violence serve as stark reminders of the challenges that arise during public demonstrations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
