Activists for human rights in Argentina are expressing concern about recent security measures aimed at suppressing expected demonstrations following the devaluation of the country’s currency by over 50% under newly-elected libertarian president Javier Milei.
Individuals and groups who participate in protests will be identified using video, digital, or manual methods. They will then be charged for the expenses of deploying security forces to monitor their demonstrations, according to Patricia Bullrich, security minister for Milei, who announced the new protocol on Thursday.
According to Bullrich, the government will not cover the expenses for utilizing security forces. Instead, organizations with legal standing will need to pay, or individuals will be responsible for covering the costs.
The objective of the updated regulations is to discourage the traditional method of protest called piquete, where protesters block city streets and highways for extended periods of time, ranging from hours to weeks.
Bullrich stated that for a long time, we have been living in chaotic and uncontrolled conditions. It is now necessary to stop this approach and the exploitation that citizens have been subjected to. He also mentioned that protesters are allowed to demonstrate on the sidewalk.
The regulations have raised concerns among human rights organizations and political representatives, who believe they will make peaceful demonstrations illegal.
The Centre of Legal Studies (CELS) stated that the government is using the promise of order to silence public protests against their policies. The measures being implemented are infringing on the right to protest and are targeting and punishing individuals and organizations that demonstrate and advocate for social and political causes.
Myriam Bregman, a leftist legislator and previous candidate for president, stated on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter): “Bullrich’s announcement is completely unconstitutional… The right to protest is the most fundamental of all rights.”
Legislator José Luis Espert, from the party Liberty Advances led by Milei, responded with a three-word statement: “Jail or gun.”
The updated protocol gives authority to law enforcement at train and bus stations to confiscate face masks, sticks, or other items that they believe could be utilized in a demonstration. It also restricts the involvement of minors in social protests and states that parents of young individuals who should have been attending school instead of participating in protests will face consequences.
“The CELS stated that Bullrich declared the government’s intention to penalize the involvement of young girls and boys in protests, which ultimately criminalizes parents advocating for improved living conditions and disregards those responsible for their well-being.”
Mario Massaccesi, a news anchor for TN news channel, remembered how Bullrich blocked streets in Buenos Aires during her protest against Covid lockdowns. The newscaster questioned her current authority to restrict others from protesting.
Demonstrations are anticipated in reaction to the significant reductions in wages and increases in transportation and tariff fees, which have been revealed as part of Milei’s aggressive economic plan known as the “chainsaw” approach.
During the last days of Peronist Alberto Fernández’s government, inflation reached a peak of approximately 160%. However, under the libertarian administration of Milei, it has quickly escalated into hyperinflation in just the first week.
On Friday, Milei stated on his Instagram that inflation is currently increasing by 1% every day, which translates to an annual rate of 3,678%.
Source: theguardian.com
