The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and its Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression (RELE) have issued a press release expressing significant concern over the excessive use of public force against journalists and peaceful protesters in Argentina. This action was taken in response to the protests on June 12, which were orchestrated by labor unions, universities, and human rights organizations to oppose the controversial Omnibus Bill proposed by the Argentine legislator Javier Milei. The bill was ratified by the Chamber of Deputies last month.
In their statement, the IACHR emphasized the disproportionate violence employed by security forces, including the use of non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray and rubber bullets, which infringed upon citizens’ rights to free association and freedom of expression. The Commission also singled out governmental rhetoric labeling the protesters as “terrorists” as deeply concerning.
Furthermore, the IACHR condemned acts of violence perpetrated by private individuals, including an arson attack on a media vehicle from “Cadena 3” and reported incidents involving Molotov cocktails and flammable substances outside the Congress building. The Commission also noted previous instances where journalists and media workers were injured due to police actions in similar protests.
It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time the IACHR has addressed the situation in Argentina. Back in February, the Commission reminded the Argentine government of its international obligations to respect, protect, facilitate, and guarantee the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, urging it to limit the use of force to only those situations where it is indispensable.
The ongoing scrutiny by international human rights bodies like the IACHR underscores the mounting global concern regarding the handling of protests in Argentina, necessitating a closer examination of the nation’s enforcement tactics and public policies.
Read more details on the unfolding developments here.