The Argentine government defended police repression during a pensioners’ protest, alleging destabilization attempts and claiming demonstrators were armed. The protest ended with over a hundred arrests and injuries, including a serious injury to a photojournalist. Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich justified the response as necessary and announced legal actions against detainees. Solidarity protests by photojournalists followed, demanding accountability for the violence.
The Argentine government has defended its use of police repression during a recent protest supporting pensioners, labeling it a destabilizing act against the government. This protest, which took place on Wednesday, involved soccer fans, unions, and social organizations, all demanding pension updates at Congress. The event ended violently, resulting in over one hundred arrests and approximately fifty injuries, including a serious injury to a photojournalist caused by a gas canister.
Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich characterized the events surrounding the parliament as “of extreme gravity” and claimed that demonstrators were armed and intended to incite violence. She justified the police action as necessary to disperse violent participants and announced a criminal complaint against those arrested for various charges relating to sedition and resistance against authority.
Bullrich identified Leandro Caprioti, a member of the Chacarita Juniors soccer club, as the primary organizer of the protest, stating that it was also supported by rival fans. She accused opposition party members of enabling the protest’s organization and expressed the view that the unrest was part of a larger scheme to destabilize the government.
Additionally, the government expressed concerns over a judge’s decision to release 114 detainees, emphasizing that constitutional rights to protest and freedom of expression are important but should not threaten public order. Among the injured, photojournalist Pablo Grillo remains in serious condition after being struck.
In solidarity with Grillo, fellow photojournalists staged a protest at Congress, demanding accountability from security forces and the resignation of Bullrich. While expressing regret for Grillo’s injury, Bullrich maintained that the actions taken during the protest were justified as accidental due to improper circumstances surrounding the demonstration’s violence.
In conclusion, the Argentine government’s defense of police actions during recent protests highlights a dichotomy in views on the right to protest versus public safety. The incident has raised critical questions regarding law enforcement’s response to civil unrest and the implications of government authority in maintaining order. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing tension between citizen activism and government stability.
Original Source: efe.com
