Edgardo Aló’s daughter, Carolina, was murdered by her boyfriend, leading him to advocate for the recognition of femicide in Argentine law. After the law was changed in 2012 to classify femicide as an aggravating factor in homicide, recent government proposals suggest dismantling this legal protection. Advocates warn that this will jeopardize women’s safety and undermine years of progress in addressing gender-based violence.
Carolina Aló was 17 years old when she was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, Fabián Tablado, who stabbed her 113 times just before her 18th birthday. Her father, Edgardo, recalls the fateful last conversation with her, urging her to leave the abusive relationship. Suffering from his tragic loss, Edgardo began a relentless pursuit for justice, contributing significantly to the movement that led to the recognition of femicide as an aggravating factor in Argentine law in 2012.
Despite these changes, the recent government of President Javier Milei has proposed to eliminate the term “femicide” from the penal code, arguing it distorts equality before the law. Critics claim this move undermines hard-earned progress in protecting women’s rights. The Milei administration has faced backlash for its stance against the concept of femicide, likening it to “radical feminism” and threatening the safety of women in Argentina.
Edgardo, along with various women’s rights groups, fears that the proposed legislative changes will increase danger for women. Experts emphasize that femicide is distinct from other forms of homicide and is often characterized by violence within intimate relationships where power imbalances and societal discrimination are evident. A statistical overview reveals troubling trends, with many femicides occurring in intimate settings, reinforcing the need for specialized legal protections.
Edgardo’s tragic experience compelled him to advocate for legal reform after he perceived the initial sentences given to femicide perpetrators as inadequate. The fight culminated in the 2012 legal reform, which imposed harsher penalties and recognized femicide specifically. However, the current administration’s actions suggest that these protective measures are at risk of reversal, casting doubt on the effectiveness of years of advocacy and reform.
Under the new government, significant cuts to programs designed to support victims of gender-based violence have raised concerns, particularly the reduction of support duration from six to three months. Many victims, already reluctant to report abuse, now face additional barriers. Edgardo lives in constant fear for his safety, especially with Tablado’s release from prison and previous violations of protective orders.
The issue of femicide in Argentina is rooted in a broader context of gender-based violence and societal inequalities. The legal framework surrounding femicide was established in response to public outcry and advocacy for women’s rights, particularly after high-profile cases of violent crimes against women. Edgardo Aló’s efforts significantly impacted the recognition of femicide in law, marking a pivotal moment in addressing violence against women in Argentina. However, recent political developments threaten to undo these advancements, leaving many advocates concerned about the future of women’s rights and safety in the country.
The introduction of femicide as a recognized crime in Argentina marked a vital step towards acknowledging and addressing gender-based violence. However, the recent proposed changes by the Milei government raise significant concerns among advocates about women’s safety and rights. Edgardo Aló’s continued fight for justice exemplifies the ongoing struggle against systemic violence while highlighting the need for persistent advocacy to uphold and advance the protections for women in Argentina.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
