Argentina: Major protest in Buenos Aires Oct. 1

Event

Several thousand demonstrators gathered in Buenos Aires on Sunday, October 1, to protest the disappearance of an indigenous peoples activist. Santiago Maldonado, a 28-year-old supporter of indigenous peoples groups, was allegedly last seen fleeing Argentine security forces at a rally in Chubut province on August 1. Opposition political groups and human rights activists have accused security forces of illegally holding Maldonado and accuse the Macri government of concealing the actions of security forces from the public. Future demonstrations are likely in Buenos Aires and throughout the country.

Context

Human rights and political opposition groups have been calling for the government to open an independent investigation into Maldonado’s disappearance. Activists held related protests in Buenos Aires on September 2, which resulted in violent clashes with police. At least 23 people were injured and 30 arrested.

Maldonado’s disappearance reminds some Argentinians of the violence that occurred during the country’s 1976-1983 military dictatorship. According to official estimates, approximately 6000 people were killed, kidnapped, or “disappeared” during the government-sponsored crackdown on leftist dissidents during that time. Some human rights organizations estimate that the actual number may be as high as 30,000.

Advice

Individuals in Buenos Aires are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.