Argentine Government Justifies Police Repression Amid Pensioners’ Protest

The Argentine government defends police repression during a pensioners’ protest, claiming it aimed to destabilize the administration. The response resulted in over a hundred arrests and injuries, including a seriously wounded photojournalist. Minister Patricia Bullrich asserted that law enforcement’s actions were warranted, alleging armed protesters sought to incite violence. The government faces criticism for its tough stance and the release of detainees.

The Argentine government has defended its police actions during a protest supporting pensioners, claiming the demonstration aimed to destabilize the administration. On March 13, various social groups and soccer fans gathered in Buenos Aires to advocate for pension updates but were met with severe police response, resulting in over a hundred arrests and approximately fifty injuries, including a critically injured photojournalist.

Minister of National Security, Patricia Bullrich, labeled the situation around the parliament as “extremely grave” and alleged that the protesters were armed and prepared for violence. She justified the police intervention to disperse these individuals and deemed the operations by law enforcement as “adequate.” Bullrich also announced that a joint criminal complaint would be filed against those arrested, accusing them of sedition, violence against security forces, and resisting authority.

Bullrich identified Leandro Caprioti as the primary organizer of the protests, which included fans from various soccer clubs. She suggested that opposition leaders, including Mayor Fernando Espinoza of La Matanza, facilitated the violent demonstrations. Furthermore, she insisted that the protests were orchestrated by organized groups seeking to undermine the government’s stability.

The government also challenged a judge’s decision to release 114 detainees, arguing it jeopardized constitutional rights such as the right to protest and freedom of expression. Among the injured was photographer Pablo Grillo, who sustained serious head injuries due to a gas canister during the protest. In response, photojournalists demonstrated outside Congress, demanding accountability and Bullrich’s resignation.

Bullrich expressed regret over Grillo’s injuries while attributing them to circumstances beyond police control, stating that the gas grenade was appropriately deployed. She explained that the grenade rebounded off a barricade constructed by protesters before striking Grillo.

The Argentine government’s response to the protests has sparked significant controversy, focusing on the harsh police tactics employed. With more than one hundred arrests and numerous injuries reported, the government’s claims of impending destabilization efforts by opposition-affiliated groups further escalate tensions. The incident has prompted calls for accountability and discussions surrounding the boundaries of lawful protest and police intervention.

Original Source: efe.com