Repression, arrests, and use of less-lethal weapons
A series of recent protests in Argentina ended with widespread allegations of abuse by security forces during public-order operations. Demonstrators, journalists, and observers reported arbitrary arrests, indiscriminate use of tear gas, and rubber bullets fired even in situations where protesters were not engaging in violence.
The incidents took place during social demonstrations near Congress and other key locations, where large police deployments were ordered to prevent street blockades and gatherings. Testimonies and video recordings show officers firing impact munitions at close range and using physical force against individuals who posed no apparent threat.
Injured protesters and journalists targeted
Among those injured were protesters of various ages as well as members of the press who were clearly identifiable as journalists. Several reporters stated that they were struck by rubber bullets or tear gas while carrying out their work, despite wearing visible press credentials.
Detainees reported being taken into custody without clear explanations and, in some cases, being held incommunicado for hours. Defense lawyers described difficulties in locating detainees and obtaining official information about their situation.
Political directives and institutional responsibility
The complaints directly pointed to directives issued by the Ministry of Security, led by Patricia Bullrich, who had publicly announced a “zero tolerance” approach toward protests that disrupted traffic. According to analysts, these policies encouraged a heavy-handed response that prioritized territorial control over the protection of fundamental rights.
Observers noted that security forces operated with broad discretion and limited on-site oversight, creating conditions that enabled abuse and violations of international standards on the use of force.
Legal standards and human rights concerns
Human rights experts warned that so-called less-lethal weapons, including rubber bullets and chemical agents, must be used in accordance with strict principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality. Their indiscriminate deployment, particularly against peaceful demonstrators and journalists, may amount to cruel or degrading treatment.
The criminalization of social protest and the use of detention as a deterrent were also criticized as practices that risk violating constitutional guarantees and international treaties ratified by Argentina.
Calls for investigation and accountability
In response to the seriousness of the allegations, there were renewed calls for independent investigations to establish both individual and command responsibility. Legal experts and social organizations demanded a review of police protocols and safeguards to ensure that the right to protest is protected.
The events reignited a broader debate over the limits of state force and the urgent need for effective oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse during public demonstrations.
