On March 12, severe repression of a social protest in Argentina led to over twenty hospitalizations and 114 detentions, raising concerns of a government crackdown on dissent. Incidents of police violence against demonstrators underscore a troubling trend of increasing authoritarianism under the current administration, which has enacted regulations criminalizing protests and utilized excessive force. Various organizations call for an end to this repression and urge compliance with international human rights standards.
On March 12, social and human rights organizations voiced their deep concern regarding the severe repression of social protests in Argentina. During the “march for the retired,” which has been ongoing in Buenos Aires against pension and healthcare cuts, security forces exhibited excessive force aimed at dispersing demonstrators. This oppressive action resulted in over twenty individuals hospitalized and 114 detentions, including minors, who were later released due to insufficient rationale behind their arrests.
A particularly alarming incident involved an 87-year-old retired woman being struck in the head by the Federal Police. Additionally, photographer Pablo Grillo was critically injured by a tear gas canister while documenting the protest, highlighting the dangers faced by media personnel. Reports surfaced of children being affected by tear gas as they exited school, as well as the use of rubber bullets and pepper spray against a diverse group of protesters, including older adults and children, near the National Congress.
The recent government action, particularly under Javier Milei’s administration, has led to the repeal of prohibitions against dangerous crowd control tactics such as gas guns. New regulations classify demonstrations that block roads as criminal acts and empower police to disperse protests with firearms, thereby marking a significant shift in the handling of public dissent. This escalation has resulted in a broader trend of criminalizing protest activities and stifling dissenting voices.
Moreover, government narratives have increasingly characterized protests as attempts to undermine the administration, referring to demonstrators as “terrorist leaders.” Such rhetoric, including threats of criminal action against demonstrators, contributes to the shrinking of civic spaces and undermines democratic rights such as freedom of expression and social protest. In 2024 alone, reports indicate over 93 arbitrary detentions linked to protests, with more than 600 individuals injured.
The responding organizations express solidarity with the Argentine populace and advocate for improved social conditions. They urge government compliance with international human rights obligations and emphasize the necessity of investigating police conduct to address potential misconduct. In the face of rising authoritarianism, these groups are calling for regional solidarity in support of democracy and human rights across Latin America, bringing attention to the escalating threats against civic freedoms in Argentina.
The brutal repression of social protests in Argentina demands urgent attention. Recent incidents illustrate a troubling trend of escalating violence against demonstrators, reflecting a broader strategy to silence dissent and undermine democratic rights. The narrative employed by government officials to categorize protests as destabilizing activities further exacerbates this concern. There is a pressing need for the Argentine authorities to uphold human rights standards, protect freedom of expression, and ensure a safe environment for social mobilization.
Original Source: www.wola.org
