According to the new public order protocol, federal security forces will use “the minimum necessary and sufficient force and it will be graduated in proportion to the resistance” until the public road is freed.
By Deborah Rey
BUENOS AIRES (AP) — The Government of the ultraliberal, Javier Miley, advertisement on Thursday a hardening from security policy for him control of street protests in Argentinain the same week in which he implemented an economic plan of strong adjustments that has generated the rejection of unions and social organizations.
“The four federal forces, plus the federal penitentiary service, are going to intervene in the face of cuts, pickets or blockades, whether partial or total” of streets, highways and bridges under federal jurisdiction, announced the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, in a conference of press.
“Anyone who is on the sidewalk is not going to have problems,” said the Minister, clarifying that the right to protest enshrined in the Constitution is guaranteed.
According to the new public order protocol, federal security forces will use “the minimum necessary and sufficient force and it will be graduated in proportion to the resistance” until the public road is freed.
It also contemplates the prohibition of protesting with the face covered that prevents the identification of the protester and the carrying of sticks. “The law is not half-enforced. It is fulfilled or it is not fulfilled. We are going to comply,” Bullrich stressed.
Buenos Aires is the almost daily epicenter of numerous protests, especially in the city center, which generate vehicular chaos and unrest among its residents.
Bullrich’s presentation occurs two days after the Government announced a severe economic adjustment plan to reduce the fiscal deficit that, among other points, includes the devaluation of the Argentine peso by more than 50%, the dismissal of public employees, the reduction of transport and energy subsidies and the suspension of public works, which will have a strong social impact.
Shortly after Milei took office, unemployed organizations called for a mobilization for next December 20, the anniversary of the 2001 social outbreak that left dozens dead.
The newly sworn President of Argentina, Javier Milei, greets his supporters from the balcony of the Government House in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Photo: Matilde Campodonico, AP.
In turn, the main union center warned the day before that it will not sit “idly” if Milei’s plan affects salaries and pensions.
The new security plan also proposes sanctions – which were not detailed – for protesters who are accompanied by minors.
“We don’t want children to be used as shields,” warned Bullrich, who was a candidate for the Presidency for the center-right coalition Together for Change and then supported Milei in the runoff that made him President on November 19. “Mothers will be asked not to take their children to demonstrations anymore. “There are going to be consequences.”
The Minister of Security suggested that foreigners with temporary residence who participate in street protests run the risk of deportation by announcing that Immigration will be notified if they are detained.
Patricia Bullrich, Minister of Security of Argentina together with President Javier Milei. Photo: Nicolás Aguilera, AP.
In one of the most controversial points of the new protocol, Bullrich reported that the costs linked to the security operation must be borne by “organizations and/or individuals responsible” for any demonstration that prevents free movement.
The official indicated that the measures are based on an article of the Penal Code that punishes anyone who “without creating a situation of common danger, prevents, hinders or hinders the normal functioning of transportation by land, water, with imprisonment of three months to two years. or air or public services of communication, provision of water, electricity or energy substances.”
Questions about the announcement did not take long to arrive.
“Union and social conflicts do not have to be resolved by the police or the justice system. Those who govern must resolve them, since that is what they are elected for,” said Rodolfo Aguiar, general secretary of the State Workers Association. “This measure is aimed at attacking the consequences and not the causes of the protests. If they don’t want conflicts, let them stop with the adjustment and increase salaries.”
The union member indicated that the exercise of the constitutional right to strike is protected by international human rights treaties that have constitutional status.
Meanwhile, the deputy for the left and former candidate for the Presidency, Nicolás del Caño, expressed that “Bullrich announces his repressive plan to pass the brutal adjustment announced” and stated that what is intended is to “frighten” those who demonstrate against “the criminal policy that will generate more hunger and loss of jobs.” And he proclaimed: “We are going to exercise the legitimate right to protest!”
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