The protests that took place on Wednesday (12) in front of the Argentine Congress, against the cuts in retirees’ pensions, resulted in hundreds of arrests and dozens of injuries.
The most seriously injured is Pablo Grillo, a freelance photographer. He was capturing police images during the clashes when he was hit by a tear gas pump that hit his head, causing a fracture in the skull, according to his father, Fabián Grillo. The photographer had to be hospitalized urgently and is in critical condition.
A video shared on social networks shows the moment a police officer shot in Grillo, who was crouching to take the photos. The cartridge ricocked to the floor, the photographer was hit in the head by the cartridge and fell instantly.
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In response to the incident, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich stated that Pablo Grillo was a kirchnerist activist and described the prisoners during the protest as “criminals.”
In response to the minister, the photographer’s father stated that they are “a family of activists, we proudly say that. He is an activist and also a photographer, was working independently, documenting, as he always does, ”Fabián told reporters outside the hospital where Pablo is being treated.
Understand the protests in Argentina
Several weeks ago, retirees have met in front of Congress on Wednesdays to reject government policies and protest against the country’s economic situation. Although the protest on Wednesday (12) was one of the most violent since Javier Milei assumed the presidency of Argentina in late 2023, incidents also occurred during previous demonstrations.
However, the protest on Wednesday was not only with the presence of retirees, but also included fans of soccer clubs, hooligans and members of political organizations who, in response to repeated protests and incidents, decided to intervene in solidarity with retirees.
In response to the news that other sectors would also participate this time, the Ministry of Security warned that “given the possible participation of Argentine fans in the march,” strict measures would be implemented to ensure public order and safety. “
Retirees are among the most affected by the wave of cuts implemented by the Milei government, which prioritized the fiscal deficit as the basis of its economic policy.
In Argentina, 63.5% of retirees receive the minimum pension, which is 279,121 pesos (R $ 1,519.37). Although they received additional bonuses, they lost value in the face of inflation, which reached 117.8% in 2024.
Throughout the day, there were violent confrontations between protesters and security forces, which, as part of a large-scale operation that implemented the “anti-picket” protocol and dispersed the meeting, responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water guns and rubber bullets.
According to a police report from the city of Buenos Aires, more than 150 people were arrested. In addition, the Emergency Medical Care System (Same) reported that 46 people were injured, including 20 protesters and 26 security forces agents.
Another video that went viral on social networks shows the moment a police officer fired tear gas at a retired retiree, who defended himself with his cane. In response, the policeman pushed her and the retired man lying on the floor.
Material damage was also recorded, including a police car that overturned and was completely burned in the middle of the street.
After investigations into the clashes, the court ordered the release of 114 people arrested during the protest.
This content was originally published in a photographer is critical after being reached in protest in Argentina on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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