Argentina: Nationwide marches against police violence August 27 /update 1

Event

A number of human rights groups are planning to hold nationwide demonstrations against alleged police violence on Monday, August 27. The protests are being held under the banner Marcha Nacional contra el Gatillo Fácil (National March against the Easy Trigger). In Buenos Aires, demonstrators will gather in front of the National Congress at 16:00 (local time) before marching to Plaza de Mayo. Additional rallies are scheduled to take place in Mar del Plata, Rosario, Córdoba, Mendoza, San Juan, Posadas, Santiago del Estero, Bariloche, Trelew, and Fiske Menuco. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around all protests.

Context

Human rights groups are denouncing alleged abuses and killings by the police and other security forces across the country. A similar protest was organized across the country on August 1 to mark the one-year anniversary of the death of Santiago Maldonado, a young activist who was allegedly murdered. Maldonado disappeared in Cushamen (Chubut province) on August 1, 2017, and was later found dead in the Chubut River. Government officials said that he died from drowning while attempting to cross the river. However, Maldonado's family claims he was murdered and his body was planted. Maldonado had been participating in protest in support of an indigenous community that was broken up by the gendarmerie.

Advice

Individuals in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and allow additional time to travel.