On March 18, 2025, numerous organizations condemned the repression of social protests in Argentina, focusing on the violent crackdown during the “march for the retired” in Buenos Aires. The police used excessive force, resulting in numerous injuries and detentions. The Argentine government’s increasing criminalization of protests raises concerns for civil liberties and democratic rights.
On March 18, 2025, numerous social and human rights organizations voiced their grave concerns regarding the severe repression of social protests in Argentina, particularly the recent “march for the retired” in Buenos Aires, which has been advocating against pension and healthcare cuts amid severe economic adjustments. The aggressive action taken by security forces, primarily aimed at dispersing the gathering, was deemed abusive and disproportionate, violating both regional and international standards protecting the right to protest.
The protest resulted in over twenty individuals being hospitalized and 114 detentions, which included two minors. After several hours, the City of Buenos Aires courts released the detainees due to insufficient justification for the arrests. Key incidents included an elderly woman being violently handled by the Federal Police and a photographer suffering critical injuries from a tear gas canister.
The police deployed rubber bullets, tear gas, and pepper spray on a dispersed crowd, which included elderly individuals, children, and members of their families. Such methods were employed indiscriminately around the National Congress, raising alarms about the intense crackdown on demonstrators. Recent legislation permits security forces to utilize methods previously prohibited in protests, escalating concerns about the government’s approach to dissent.
The Argentine government, under President Javier Milei, has increasingly criminalized social protests, categorizing demonstrations involving road blockades as offenses, permitting armed security forces, and enabling them to gather information on protesters. The denial of basic rights to protest has been enacted as a systematic effort to stifle dissent, significantly curtailing democratic expression in the nation.
Furthermore, government officials have characterized the protests negatively, asserting they pose threats to governmental stability. Inappropriately labeling protesters as potential terrorists has created a hostile narrative legitimizing violence against dissenters. Such escalating rhetoric further compromises democratic liberties and freedom of speech.
In light of developments, organizations have reiterated their support for the Argentine populace’s demands for improved living conditions. They have urged the government to meet its international obligations regarding human rights and undertake thorough investigations into police actions against demonstrators, emphasizing the need for a conducive environment for expressing dissent.
The situation in Argentina exemplifies a troubling trend of repression against social movements, raising significant concerns about civil liberties and democratic practices. The transformation of lawful protests into criminalized actions represents a serious infringement on human rights, eroding the foundation of democracy. Stakeholders are called to take a stand against this repression and to preserve the right to peaceful protest.
Original Source: www.omct.org
