Human rights advocates in Argentina are expressing dismay over recently implemented security protocols aimed at suppressing an expected surge of demonstrations following the devaluation of the country’s currency by over 50% by newly elected libertarian president Javier Milei.
Individuals and organizations participating in protests will be identified through various methods such as video, digital technology, or manual identification. They will then be charged for the expenses incurred for security forces to monitor and control their demonstrations. This new protocol was announced by Milei’s security minister, Patricia Bullrich, on Thursday.
Bullrich stated that the state will not cover expenses for security forces. Instead, organizations with legal status will be responsible for payment, or individuals will have to shoulder the cost.
The objective of the updated regulations is to deter a conventional type of demonstration called piquete, where protesters block city streets and highways for prolonged periods of time, ranging from hours to even weeks.
Bullrich stated that citizens have endured chaos for a long time and it is now necessary to stop this approach and the exploitation they have faced. She also mentioned that protesters can gather and express their grievances on the sidewalk.
Groups advocating for human rights and legislators in opposition have voiced worry over the regulations, claiming that they would effectively classify lawful demonstrations as criminal acts.
The Centre of Legal Studies (CELS) stated that the government is using the promise of maintaining order to silence public protests against their policies. These policies are infringing upon the right to protest and are treating demonstrators and social and political organizations as criminals.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), Myriam Bregman, a leftist lawmaker and previous candidate for president, stated: “Bullrich’s announcement is completely against the constitution… The right to protest is the most fundamental right of all.”
José Luis Espert, a member of Milei’s political party, Liberty Advances, responded with the phrase “Prison or bullet.”
The updated procedure gives authority to law enforcement at train and bus stations to confiscate face masks, sticks, or any other items they believe may be utilized during a protest. It also restricts the involvement of minors in public demonstrations, stating that parents of young individuals who should have been attending school instead of protesting will face consequences.
According to the CELS, Bullrich stated that the government will penalize the involvement of children and teenagers in protests. This action is seen as a form of criminalizing parents who are advocating for improved living conditions for their families and disregarding those responsible for their care.
Mario Massaccesi, a news anchor for TN news channel, mentioned that Bullrich previously participated in blocking downtown streets in Buenos Aires as a protest against Covid lockdowns. The newscaster questioned her current authority to restrict others from protesting.
Demonstrations are predicted due to the significant reduction in wages and increases in transportation and tariff fees, which were announced as part of Milei’s aggressive economic plan dubbed “chainsaw.”
During the beginning of Milei’s libertarian administration, inflation, which had previously reached a high of approximately 160% under the previous Peronist government led by Alberto Fernández, has now escalated into hyperinflation.
On Friday, Milei shared on Instagram that inflation is currently increasing by 1% each day, which equates to an annual rate of 3,678%.
Source: theguardian.com
