Pro-Palestinian demonstration repressed in Argentina
Argentine police violently repressed a Palestine solidarity protest in Buenos Aires, amid mounting criticism of President Milei’s pro-"Israel" stance.
-
A protester holds a flag that reads in Spanish "Free Palestine" during a demonstration in support of the Palestinians in Plaza de Mayo square, Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
A peaceful Palestine solidarity march held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Saturday was violently repressed by the police, who attacked protesters with batons and rubber bullets. The protest was part of a growing wave of mobilizations across Latin America in support of the Palestinian people amid "Israel’s" ongoing assault on Gaza.
Organized by the Argentine Committee of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the march began in front of the National Congress and moved toward Plaza de Mayo. A wide coalition of social, political, and human rights organizations participated, demanding that Argentina sever diplomatic relations with "Israel."
Witnesses and participants reported Argentine police repression throughout the demonstration, with repeated provocations and violent actions by security forces. Several individuals were injured, including a retiree who was beaten by a motorcycle officer and multiple young people who were struck with batons or shot with rubber bullets.
The crackdown was carried out under the controversial anti-picket protocol, a policy promoted by National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich. Bullrich has faced sustained criticism for her support of police crackdowns on protests and for downplaying instances of excessive force.
On a similar note, in June, Fans of the Argentine Club Atletico All Boys held pro-Palestine protests before a match against their rivals, Atlanta, a club often linked to the Israeli occupation, waving Palestinian flags while individuals dressed in hazmat suits carried a coffin draped with the Israeli flag.
Near the Malvinas Argentinas stadium, some scattered flyers bore messages such as "Free Palestine" and "Israel and Atlanta are the same ****," prompting Bullrich, to warn that if the Buenos Aires municipal government fails to act by Monday, she will intervene.
Milei's alignment with 'Israel' condemned
At the final rally in Plaza de Mayo, demonstrators sharply criticized Argentine President Javier Milei for his unwavering support for the Zionist entity.
Protesters condemned his invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Activists decried the Argentine government's pro-"Israel" stance, calling it a betrayal of human rights and international law. The march also condemned the Zionist entity’s plans to annex the occupied West Bank and called for an immediate end to the military offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinian victims since October 7, 2023.
The protest in Buenos Aires is part of a broader push by international civil society to pressure governments complicit in "Israel’s" actions and to demand justice and protection for the Palestinian people.
Milei is one of "Israel's" most prominent supporters. On June 12, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stormed the vicinity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, accompanied by Milei. The visit included a stop at the al-Buraq Wall, also known as the Western Wall, where both leaders reportedly performed Talmudic rituals.
Also, during his first visit, the Argentine president confirmed that Argentina will relocate its embassy in "Israel" to occupied al-Quds in 2026. The announcement was made during an address at the Knesset, where Milei stated, “I am proud to announce before you that in 2026 we will make effective the move of our embassy to the city of West Jerusalem, as we promised.”