Protest by supporters of Argentina’s vice president leaves 14 police officers injured

Police fired tear gas in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Saturday as they clashed with supporters of Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, days after prosecutors sought a 12-year prison sentence against her for alleged corruption.

Argentina’s official news agency Telam reported that police used batons and tear gas against protesters after a group of people tore down fences that the city government had ordered placed near the vice president’s residence.

At least 14 police officers were injured in the clash, according to Felipe Miguel, the Buenos Aires government’s chief of staff. Four protesters were arrested after the incident, the local government said.

Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta said injured police officers were being treated at the hospital.

“The demonstration turned into a situation of violence. There was a group of protesters who started tearing down fences, throwing stones, attacking the police,” Larreta said, adding that “in the city of Buenos Aires, violence is the limit. We will not allow situations of violence, as long as there are (such situations), the police will act”.

A federal prosecutor in Argentina on Monday asked Kirchner to serve a 12-year prison sentence for alleged corruption. The court has yet to rule on the prosecutor’s request.

Argentine President Alberto Fernández condemned what he said was the city government’s use of violence against a demonstration of citizens “in freedom and democracy.”