Press Release
IACHR Press Office
Washington, D.C. — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) express their concern over reports of alleged excessive use of force by state security forces during demonstrations protesting the presidential veto of the University Financing Law in Argentina. They call on the State to respect and uphold the rights to association, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression, while guaranteeing the safety of those taking part in demonstrations.
On October 9, protests broke out near the National Congress in Buenos Aires while the presidential veto of the University Financing Law was being debated in the Chamber of Deputies. According to reports from civil society organizations, those taking part in the demonstrations included students, teachers, and other university staff. Violent incidents were observed, prompting a security operation involving the City of Buenos Aires Police Force, Argentina's Federal Police Force, the National Gendarmerie, the Naval Prefecture, and the Airport Security Police Force.
Civil society organizations reported that public security forces made disproportionate use of force, including physical aggression and the use of chemical irritants at close range. At least 16 individuals were reportedly injured, including three journalists covering the protests and two police officers.
The State maintains that no significant incidents occurred involving demonstrators and the police and federal security forces, aside from an isolated altercation involving a supporter of the current government.
Furthermore, civil society organizations alleged that plainclothes police officers were acting without proper identification, which may compromise accountability processes. The State has denied these claims, arguing that all officers were wearing full uniform and and that non were operating undercover.
The Public Defender's Office of the City of Buenos Aires reported at least seven arrests during the operations. Six individuals face charges of so-called aggravated assault on authorities, while one is accused of damage to property. Of particular cause for concern is the arrest of a minor who was reportedly participating peacefully in the demonstration and who was later released near Congress.
In response to these events, the IACHR and the SFROE underscore that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic societies and governments, and that the Argentine State is obliged to respect, safeguard, facilitate, and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. They also noted that the use of public force must remain a last resort that is only applied in exceptional circumstances, and must adhere strictly to the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, as outlined in the inter-American standards. The State must thoroughly investigate any reports of abuses by security forces and those responsible must be held accountable.
Lastly, the IACHR and the SFROE emphasized that the Argentine Date must ensure a safe environment for media workers to cover events of public interest such as social protests, acknowledging the critical role that journalists play in ensuring public access to information and fostering public debate.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression was created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to promote and protect freedom of thought and expression across the Americas, acknowledging its crucial role in fostering and strengthening democratic systems.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.
No. 280/24
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