IACHR expresses concern over police actions in protests and attacks on journalists in Argentina [View all]

[sandensea]

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression express concern over the inappropriate and indiscriminate use of force by federal security agents in Argentina.

According to information received by the IACHR, on December 14 the Police and the Gendarmerie violently broke up demonstrations headed toward the National Congress in Buenos Aires to express opposition to a law reforming the pension and retirement system.

On December 18, new protests culminated in violent disturbances and left more than 183 people injured, including at least 88 police and 95 citizens - among them seven members of Congress. At least 70 individuals were arrested and complained that they had been harassed during the arrests. Four protesters - including a schoolteacher - lost an eye due to rubber bullets.

In addition, purported groups of protesters used violence during the demonstrations, throwing rocks and blunt objects at the police. Numerous undercover security agents were photographed throwing rocks, and then detaining protesters.

During the protests, at least 26 journalists and media workers were reportedly attacked by police forces while they were covering the demonstrations on both days. Of this group, 18 journalists reported being hit multiple times by rubber bullets. Several journalists were also reported to have suffered the effects of the tear gas launched by the police.

The IACHR and its Office of the Special Rapporteur call on the authorities to promptly and thoroughly investigate the conduct of the police during these demonstrations and establish the appropriate penalties.

They also urge the State to ensure strict adherence to the general principles of legality, exceptionality, proportionality, and absolute necessity in the use of force in contexts of social protest.

At: http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/media_center/PReleases/2017/214.asp