On March 12, 2025, peaceful protesters in Argentina faced violent repression during a march against pension cuts. Security forces used abusive tactics leading to numerous injuries and arrests. The government’s recent policies have escalated the criminalization of dissent, posing threats to democracy and civil liberties. Organizations worldwide are calling for accountability and support for the rights of the Argentine people.
On March 18, 2025, social and human rights organizations expressed grave concern regarding the violence against protesters in Argentina, specifically during the “march for the retired” on March 12. This recurring demonstration in Buenos Aires aimed to oppose cuts in pensions and healthcare amidst severe economic austerity. The actions taken by security forces to disperse the protest were deemed abusive and disproportionate, violating established regional and international rights to peacefully protest.
The crackdown saw over twenty individuals hospitalized and 114 detained, including minors. Notably, an 87-year-old woman was assaulted by police, and prominent photographer Pablo Grillo sustained critical injuries from a tear gas canister. The indiscriminate use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and other crowd-dispersal methods injured numerous peaceful demonstrators, including children and the elderly.
The introduction of aggressive policing measures followed a change in government policy that allowed the use of previously banned gas guns. Under President Javier Milei’s administration, regulations harshly criminalized protests involving road blockades. In addition, security forces were empowered to use firearms during demonstrations, facilitating the detention of protesters and gathering information to criminalize their actions.
Since 2024, the Argentine government’s repression of social dissent has increasingly threatened accountability and democratic expression. Reports indicate 93 arbitrary detentions and over 600 injuries linked to protests, highlighting a significant surge in police violence against citizens.
The government’s rhetoric has framed protests as destabilizing acts, labeling demonstrators as terrorists or insurrectionists. The Minister of Security endorsed the harsh police responses and indicated intentions to criminalize protest participants, even suggesting the expulsion of migrants involved in protests, further intensifying political tensions.
The escalation of state violence raises serious concerns for democratic rights, particularly the rights to free expression and assembly. Organizations like Amnesty International and others are committed to supporting the Argentine people’s demands for improved living conditions, urging the government to adhere to its international obligations and investigate police misconduct comprehensively.
The situation in Argentina illustrates a disturbing trend towards increased authoritarianism with potential ramifications for the entire Latin American region. Civic space is diminishing, prompting calls for regional solidarity in defending human rights and democracy. Hence, it is imperative for governments across Latin America to advocate for the original principles of democracy and engage decisively against the repression of civil liberties.
The events surrounding the suppression of social protest in Argentina showcase an alarming trend toward authoritarianism, characterized by violent repression and the criminalization of dissent. The responses of security forces and the government’s derogatory narrative against protesters highlight a critical threat to democratic rights. Advocating for the protection of social mobilization and the rights of citizens is essential for maintaining the foundations of democracy in the region, emphasizing the international community’s role in safeguarding human rights.
Original Source: www.omct.org
