Argentina: Pension Protest Escalates – threatened with anti-mafia laws – 20 years in prison

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a peaceful demonstration by pensioners demanding higher pensions escalated into violent clashes when riot police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the protesters. The protest, held in front of the Congress building, resulted in more than 120 people being arrested and at least 45 injured, reported by the Huffingtonpost.es.

Among the injured is freelance photographer Pablo Grillo, who suffered a severe head injury after being hit by a tear gas canister and is now in a coma, according to theguardian.com.

The pensioners, who have regularly gathered to protest pension cuts since President Javier Milei took office in late 2023, were this time supported by football fans from some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Boca Juniors and River Plate, according to reuters.com.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announced that those arrested could face prison sentences of up to 20 years under a new anti-mafia law.

The incident has sparked condemnation from human rights organizations and heightened political tensions in the country, with cacerolazos (pot-banging protests) heard in several Buenos Aires neighborhoods in response to the government’s actions, according to the Huffingtonpost.es.