In Argentina, the voices of social and human rights organisations have risen in protest against the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations, particularly highlighted during the “march for the retired” in Buenos Aires. Citizens have rallied for months against pension cuts and reduced medical services amid severe economic turmoil. On Wednesday, March 12, security forces met demonstrators with excessive force, leading to injuries and numerous arrests, including of minors.
The use of harmful crowd control measures, previously banned, has resurfaced under President Javier Milei’s administration, which has criminalised street blockades and empowered security forces to disperse protests. This shift represents a drastic reduction in democratic freedoms as more than 600 people were reported injured in 2024 alone, with over 93 arbitrarily detained for simply exercising their right to protest.
A troubling narrative has emerged from government officials, framing protests as threats to stability. Claims of “terrorist leaders” and intentions to criminalise demonstrators have escalated tensions, undermining civil liberties. The Minister of Security has suggested punitive measures for protesters and even for the judiciary, indicating a worrying trend of state-sanctioned violence against dissent.
Organisations like Amnesty International and WOLA stress the need for authorities to ensure public safety while respecting the right to protest. They call for a thorough investigation of police misconduct and a commitment to uphold human rights standards. Amid growing authoritarianism in Argentina, there is a call for regional solidarity to protect democracy and freedoms across Latin America.
Social and human rights organisations are alarmed by the violent repression of protests in Argentina, notably during the “march for the retired”. Excessive force was used by security forces, resulting in injuries and arrests. Under President Javier Milei, measures have been reintroduced that compromise the right to protest. A concerning narrative framing dissent as destabilising indicates rising authoritarianism, prompting calls for international support to protect human rights.
Argentina’s recent crackdown on peaceful protests illustrates a chilling rise in authoritarian tactics and a significant threat to democratic freedoms. As authorities escalate violence and criminalise dissent, international organisations urge a return to respect for human rights, investigation of police actions, and an affirmation of the necessity of social mobilization. The collective demand for better living conditions underscores the resilience of civic voice amid oppression.
Original Source: www.wola.org
