President Javier Milei promises imprisonment for those provoking violence in protests following clashes between demonstrators and police, which left 124 arrested and 45 injured. National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich faces criticism for her handling of the events. The protest supported by pensioners and football fans turned violent, leading to ongoing debates about the democratic exercise in Argentina and Milei’s governmental stability. In light of recent turmoil, Milei has cancelled part of his international trip.
President Javier Milei announced on Friday his intention to imprison individuals instigating violence during street protests, referencing a recent demonstration involving pensioners and football fans that resulted in 124 arrests and 45 injuries. In a speech made at the Expoagro agricultural event in Buenos Aires Province, Milei labeled those causing violence as “sons of bitches” while reinforcing his government’s commitment to uphold order and support National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich.
Minister Bullrich has faced significant backlash for her handling of the situation and for controversial remarks regarding the clashes, especially after a photographer suffered critical injuries from police actions during the protest. Bullrich had suggested that the injured individual had political motives that rendered him a fair target, showcasing the tensions surrounding the event.
The protest, organized by pensioners advocating for better pensions, gained traction from supporters of various football clubs and social organizations. What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic due to confrontations with police, who utilized rubber bullets and tear gas. The majority of protestors were peaceful, though violence attributed to suspected infiltrators marred the event.
In response, Bullrich’s ministry lodged a complaint against demonstrators for charges including “sedition” and “attack on constitutional order”. This action followed a judge’s release of 114 detainees, prompting claims that not all arrests were conducted lawfully. The judge defended her decision, citing lapses in detention record-keeping.
Chiefly, Bullrich has accused some demonstrators of intending to destabilize the government, whereas there exists an internal divide within Milei’s party regarding responses to the demonstration. Vice-President Victoria Villarruel expressed support for all injured, attributing the unrest to a mismanaged expression of democratic rights, rather than a coup attempt.
Additionally, President Milei has rescinded his planned trip to Europe, opting to focus on a visit to Israel instead, following an invitation from an organization in Spain that framed recent events as an attempted coup. The organization’s statement inaccurately suggested that Milei’s postponement was directly related to the unrest in Argentina.
In conclusion, President Javier Milei’s announcement regarding potential imprisonment for individuals inciting violence at protests underscores his administration’s firm stance on maintaining order. The recent protest highlighted significant tensions between law enforcement and demonstrators, with internal disagreements within Milei’s party further complicating the narrative. The response to the situation reveals deep divisions regarding interpretations of democracy and the management of civil unrest, as well as the broader political climate in Argentina, particularly with the President’s diplomatic plans shifting amidst these events.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
