Hundreds of protesters injured and dozens detained in clashes with security forces

Introduction

Argentine President enacts controversial Omnibus Law amid nationwide protests

On 8th July 2024, the Argentine President enacted the Law for Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines (Omnibus Law or Law for Bases), following extensive protests that began in December 2023. This legislation, which took over six months to pass due to the government’s minority in Congress, comes into effect after final approval in late June. Each ministry must now issue regulations to implement the 238 articles in the Law and the 105 articles in the accompanying fiscal package.

The original draft contained over 660 articles, but the government reduced this by half to secure legislative approval. Despite these revisions, the package faced obstacles in the Chamber of Deputies in February 2024, leading to further changes. The Chamber of Deputies approved the revised draft on 30th April, and the Senate passed a modified version on 12th June, returning it to the Chamber of Deputies for a final review.

These legal reforms, which the government considers essential to address Argentina’s severe economic crisis—marked by nearly 300 per cent annual inflation—have generated substantial controversy. The Omnibus Law seeks to deregulate several sectors, privatise key public enterprises, attract foreign investment, reduce state spending and weaken labour protection laws. This is occurring in a context where over half of all Argentines now live in poverty.

Human rights concerns mount as Argentina criminalises protests and targets journalists

On 18th June, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern over recent measures in Argentina, which threaten human rights through cuts to essential services and the closure of institutions supporting women’s rights. Türk urged authorities to prioritise human rights to foster an inclusive society and uphold fundamental freedoms:

“In Argentina, recent proposed and adopted measures risk undermining human rights protection. These include cuts to public spending particularly affecting the most marginalised, the announced closure of State institutions dedicated to women’s rights and access to justice, and an instruction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend participation in all events abroad related to the 2030 Agenda. I urge the authorities to place human rights at the centre of their policy making, to build a more cohesive and inclusive society. This also means full respect for the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

On 11th July, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) held a hearing focused on social protest and freedom of expression in Argentina. Civil society organisations voiced serious concerns about the increasing repression of protests in the country. They highlighted instances of police violence, the criminalisation of dissent and the introduction of Resolution 943/2023, which imposes significant restrictions on protests. The organisations argued that the government aims to suppress public demonstrations through excessive force, arbitrary detentions and the use of stigmatising language against protesters.

The Argentine government defended Resolution 943/2023, arguing it is necessary to maintain public order and prevent violence, particularly given the increasing intensity of protests. The government asserted that the resolution addresses these challenges while ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of democratic institutions.

However, the IACHR Commissioners raised serious concerns about the government’s approach. They emphasised that force should only be used as a last resort, governed by the principles of necessity and proportionality, in line with international human rights standards. The Commissioners also criticised the government’s rhetoric, which they believed unfairly stigmatises protesters by labelling them as violent or even as terrorists.

They stressed the urgent need for dialogue between the government and civil society to address grievances and prevent further conflict. The Commissioners questioned the rationale behind Resolution 943/2023, expressing concern that it could undermine the rights to peaceful assembly, which are fundamental to democratic processes. They offered technical assistance and affirmed their commitment to continue monitoring the situation.

On the same day, three regional press freedom networks condemned Argentina’s suppression of freedom of expression and assembly under the current administration, highlighting the severe closure of civic space. According to the press release, the Argentine government’s approach to maintaining public order, particularly through Resolution 943/2023, criminalises street blockages during protests and authorises police to disperse demonstrators without judicial control, leading to widespread reports of excessive force and arbitrary detentions.

Reports from January to June 2024 reveal at least 80 arbitrary detentions and several injuries, including to journalists. The closure of the Télam news agency and attempts to reintroduce compulsory journalist registration undermine press freedom and limit public access to information. The press release also stated that the administration’s targeting and stigmatising critics and civil society organisations has created a hostile environment for free expression.

Peaceful Assembly

Protesters clash with police over Omnibus Law debate

On 12th June, thousands of protesters gathered peacefully around Congress as the Senate began debating the crucial vote on the Omnibus Law (see introduction), urging lawmakers to reject it. The earlier festive atmosphere in downtown Buenos Aires, where protesters played trumpets, grilled meat and chanted, quickly shifted as protesters clashed with police armed with shields and batons, leading to at least 20 police officers injured. Security forces used water cannon and tear gas to disperse protesters who had thrown stones and Molotov cocktails outside Congress. As a result, at 200 people were injured, including three media workers (see expression). Additionally, security forces arbitrarily detained 35 people during the protest. They faced charges including public intimidation (Art. 211 of the Criminal Code), incitement to collective violence (Art. 212), crimes against public authorities and the constitutional order (Art. 226), attempted resistance to authority (Arts. 237 and 239) and disruption of legislative sessions (Art. 241), among other allegations. The Minister of Security and the President publicly characterised the protest as an attempted “coup d'état,” labelling the detainees as “terrorists.”

A federal court released 28 of the detained people due to lack of evidence. At the time of writing, five people remain in pretrial detention. The federal judge handling the case criticised the police, citing “poor” and “incomplete” case files and highlighting a lack of adequate training among security forces.

Amnesty International criticised the heavy-handed police response to protest under new public order protocol: “The operation was characterised by the unlawful use of less lethal weapons (chemical irritants, tonfas, rubber bullets, water cannon), which caused unwarranted injuries to demonstrators, arbitrary arrests and attacks against press workers. It also included the presence of numerous water cannon trucks and motorised and infantry forces, fencing in all the surroundings of the National Congress. Police officers without uniforms and members of Prefecture Naval carrying firearms were observed in the area.”

On 4th July, the IACHR and its Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression condemned the disproportionate use of public force against protesters. They noted that “In contexts involving protests and social conflict, all authorities must do their best to spread reliable information and must refrain from stigmatising demonstrators and from accusing demonstrators of unlawful acts as a way to eliminate dissent. Generically describing demonstrators as ‘terrorists’ and denouncing alleged plans for ‘coups d'état’ may have a negative impact on public debate and on the peaceful resolution of social disputes. Further, such actions may activate or exacerbate discrimination, hostility, intolerance, or violence.”

Civil society organisations have reported over 600 people injured in the context of protests since December 2023.

Ongoing protests challenge economic reforms

Widespread protests have erupted in response to austerity measures and the government’s perceived indifference towards the struggles of the poor, with at least 845 protests recorded across the country from January to July 2024. These protests reflect growing dissatisfaction with the government's approach. The unrest has raised significant human rights concerns.

In May and July 2024, multiple protests took place, some of which are detailed below:

On 1st May, International Workers’ Day, thousands took to the streets in Buenos Aires to defend labour rights and denounce what they describe as the “brutal adjustment” policies of the current administration. Under the slogan “The Homeland is Not for Sale,” the General Confederation of Labour (Confederación General del Trabajo, CGT), one of the country’s largest trade unions, led a massive mobilisation in Buenos Aires, along with other national unions, and marched through the city centre, culminating at the Canto al Trabajo monument. The protest also aimed to oppose government budget cuts and proposed legal reforms.

On 7th and 8th May, demonstrations took place across Buenos Aires. Social movements rallied towards Olivos Presidential Residence and retirees gathered in front of the National Congress. Both groups expressed concern over President Javier Milei’s proposed economic reforms and budget cuts.

On 9th May, unions organised the second general strike against austerity measures and proposed reforms by the country’s president. The 24-hour strike caused significant disruptions, halting public transport, the grain-crushing sector, supermarkets, airports and banks. It also led to flight cancellations, port closures and minimal activity in schools and universities, while market activity diminished due to bank closures. The government condemned the strike as unjustified, claiming it primarily inconvenienced those wishing to work. The CGT celebrated the strike’s impact on social media. In response, President Milei published a photo of himself wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Yo no paro” (I don’t stop), challenging the unions’ actions.

On 26th May, police, teachers, doctors, nurses and public employees in Misiones province— northeastern Argentina—entered their tenth day of protests demanding salary improvements and against the government’s economic reforms. On 24th May, a teachers’ protest demanding salary improvements outside the Misiones Legislature escalated when protesters knocked down barricades. In response, police intervened with force, using batons and tear gas to disperse the protest. Ongoing protests have intensified, leading to significant disruptions, including roadblocks and demonstrations. For instance, on 21st May, teachers blocked Route 12 near the Garupá bridge, a key access point to Posadas.

On 5th June, social organisations in Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities held protests demanding the immediate distribution of food supplies to soup kitchens that support impoverished families. The demonstrations were sparked by revelations that large quantities of food, including powdered milk set to expire soon, had been stored in government warehouses instead of being distributed. Protesters, led by groups such as the Coordinating Committee for Social Change and Workers’ Pole (Coordinadora por el Cambio Social and Polo Obrero), criticised the government's mismanagement and called for urgent action to address hunger, particularly among children. The controversy has prompted legal action, with a federal judge ordering the government to quickly implement a distribution plan, as tensions rise over handling social policies amidst severe economic hardship.

Protest over judicial independence after judge Lijo's Supreme Court nomination

On 6th May, over a hundred people gathered outside the Supreme Court to oppose President Milei's nomination of Judge Ariel Lijo to the Supreme Court of Argentina. Protestors affirmed that Lijo’s appointment could compromise judicial independence, citing concerns about potential political influence, particularly from Minister of Justice Mariano Cúneo Libarona.

Judge Lijo, who handled an unresolved case involving the former president Mauricio Macri’s family business, has sparked concerns. Activists and legal experts claimed that Lijo’s nomination might perpetuate a “pact of impunity,” protecting corrupt officials from prosecution and eroding public trust in the judiciary. They urged the appointment of independent, honourable judges, warning that a lack of integrity within the judiciary could undermine the rule of law and democratic governance.

Protest over deadly attack on lesbian women in Buenos Aires

On 13th May, over two hundred people marched in Buenos Aires to demand justice for the fatal arson attack that targeted four lesbian women. Beginning at Plaza Colombia, the protesters made their way to the site of the tragedy. They condemned the incident as “lesbicide” and urged the government to strengthen efforts against homophobic violence.

On 6th May, a man attacked four lesbian women with a Molotov cocktail in their Buenos Aires home, resulting in three deaths and one critical injury. The attack also forced the evacuation of 30 other residents, seven of whom required hospital treatment for burns. Justo Fernando Barrientos allegedly beat the women and pushed them back inside to prevent their escape before fleeing to the roof, where he attempted suicide and was later arrested. Although authorities detained a 67-year-old suspect, they have not disclosed his motive.

This attack appears to have been driven by the perpetrator’s prejudice against their sexual orientation, as evidenced by witness testimonies. Despite previous harassment reports, no effective protection was provided. The women’s precarious living conditions heightened their vulnerability to targeted violence. The 2023 Buenos Aires LGBT Ombudsman’s report highlighted that discriminatory rhetoric from political figures has created a climate of segregation and increased violence against marginalised groups, with human rights organisations warning of the intensified risks to the LGBT community.

Télam workers end 128-day strike following government shutdown

As previously reported, in March, Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced a temporary suspension of Télam, blocking access to the agency’s platforms and offices without formally dismissing its employees. This led to 128 days of continuous protests, with widespread support from unions, cultural organisations and citizen groups. Solidarity actions included rallies, cultural events, and the launch of the alternative platform “Somos Télam.”

On 10th July, Télam employees were allowed to return to work after the government officially announced the transformation of Télam from a news agency to a state-run advertising entity.

Expression

Attack against media workers while covering protest

At the 12th June protest (see peaceful assembly), at least three media workers sustained injuries due to the disproportionate use of pepper spray and rubber bullets by security forces. One of them, photojournalist Mariano Dalaison, was shot in the face with a rubber bullet, specifically in the area between the eyebrows. Civil society organisations have documented multiple cases of eye injuries in recent police operations caused by the excessive use of these weapons. Additionally, Rocío Bao from Infonews and Mario Sadras from Radio Gráfica were both sprayed with pepper spray.

Public media websites and social media accounts temporarily suspended

On 21st May, Diego Martín Chaher, the Controller of Radio y Televisión Argentina Sociedad del Estado, a state-owned media company, ordered the temporary suspension of several public media websites and social media platforms linked to the Secretariat of Media and Public Communication. According to an official statement, the suspension aims to enhance content production and dissemination following internal reorganisation. This move, part of an organisational restructuring process, affects platforms including Televisión Pública, Radio Nacional and Canal Encuentro.

On 2nd February 2024, President Milei mandated the intervention of state-owned media companies to optimise management, appointing a controller and a deputy controller.

Criminal lawsuit against journalists over comments on food stockpile scandal

On 3rd June 2024, Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona filed a lawsuit against journalists Darío Villarruel and Nancy Pazos, accusing them of “incitement to commit crimes” for comments made regarding the 5,000 tonnes of food stored in government warehouses. The charges were filed independently of the Ministry of Justice.

Pazos’ case has been assigned to Judge Ariel Lijo, a nominee for the Supreme Court, while Judge Sebastián Ramos will oversee Villarruel's case. Both journalists criticised the legal action, calling it an infringement on freedom of expression and warning of its potential to intimidate other media professionals.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemned the judicial persecution of journalists, particularly when their work is framed as criminal conduct, which results in censorship and intimidation. It also highlighted the increasing number of attacks on journalists in Argentina by authorities and supported the Argentine Federation of Press Workers in defending workers’ rights: “This action represents an unacceptable restriction on press freedom in a democratic society and violates the right to work for the accused journalists, Nancy Pazos and Darío Villarruel.”

FOPEA denounces fake WhatsApp leak amid online harassment campaign

On 27th June, an X user close to the Milei government allegedly leaked a WhatsApp conversation from members of the Argentine Journalism Forum (Foro de Periodismo Argentino, FOPEA)

steering committee, discussing whether to show solidarity with libertarian YouTuber Mariano Pérez, a Milei supporter, who is accredited as a journalist at the presidential house.

Following the leak of alleged WhatsApp messages involving FOPEA’s steering committee, X users, including Argentina’s president, shared the screenshots and launched attacks using the hashtag #FOPEAComplice. FOPEA’s president, Paula Moreno, described the campaign as an organised attack that quickly gained traction. FOPEA promptly denied the authenticity of the screenshots, stating the conversation never existed and that the leak was a deliberate attempt to discredit the organisation, likely in response to a prior warning about the proposed mandatory journalist registration.

Media centralisation: regional radio stations forced to adopt Buenos Aires programming

On 5th July, Radio Nacional's director, Héctor Cavallero, suspended the broadcasting and social media content of TV Pública—a publicly owned Argentine television network—and 49 regional Radio Nacional stations, justifying the decision as necessary for “revising criteria.” This centralisation requires local stations to significantly curtail or entirely cancel their locally-produced content, forcing them to align the majority of their broadcasts with those produced at LRA1 Buenos Aires.

According to the Ombudsman’s Office, 49 Radio Nacional stations have been required to broadcast the LRA1 signal from Buenos Aires. This deprives the public of access to local and regional information, particularly during the key morning slot, which will now be replaced by an entertainment programme.

Media organisations have condemned this decision. On 8th July, the Network of Social Communication and Journalism Courses (REDCOM) stated: “In defence of federal communication and information sovereignty, REDCOM stands in solidarity with the workers and citizens affected by this information blackout and the dismantling of public media. In a country with increasingly concentrated and centralised media in Buenos Aires, defending public media and the right to information for all society is essential to giving a voice to and showing what concentrated media censors.”

Court overturns ban on streaming testimonies in Buenos Aires crimes against humanity trial

On 5th July 2024, in a landmark decision, Argentina’s Court of Cassation has opened the door for the broadcasting of trials related to crimes against humanity following a case in Rosario. The court reversed the previous ruling by Federal Oral Court No. 2 in Rosario, which had prevented community media outlet La Retaguardia from broadcasting testimonies in the ongoing Saint Amant IV trial, addressing crimes against humanity committed in northern Buenos Aires during the last dictatorship.

The court emphasised that public trials must guarantee transparency and ordered the lower court to issue a new ruling in accordance with this principle. This decision, which aligns with Inter-American Court of Human Rights standards, is expected to set a significant legal precedent for future cases, ensuring public access to important human rights trials.

Association

New Omnibus law fuels concerns over Indigenous rights amid lithium mining expansion

The expansion of lithium mining in Argentina’s Salinas Grandes region, an ecosystem within the lithium triangle bordering Chile and Bolivia, has raised serious human rights concerns, particularly for Indigenous communities.

The environmental degradation caused by lithium extraction, especially the depletion and contamination of water sources, threatens the livelihoods of these Indigenous peoples, who rely on the land for their sustenance and cultural practices. “The water feeds the air, the soil, the pastures for the animals, the food we eat,” said Clemente Flores, a 59-year-old community leader. According to a report in The Guardian, these communities have been facing violations of their right to “prior, free, and informed consultation” for years, as mining companies use divisive tactics and economic incentives to undermine their autonomy.

As previously reported by the Monitor, in June 2023, the Jujuy government implemented extensive constitutional changes, without public participation or consultation, restricting the right to peaceful assembly and altering Indigenous land rights. The provincial government’s actions suggest a broader trend of prioritising commercial interests.

The newly approved Omnibus Law includes reforms to the Environmental Law No. 27.007, regulating the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI). Experts have suggested this targets regions like Jujuy. It is seen as a move to accelerate the ongoing dispossession of these territories and weaken local communities’ resistance, particularly in Jujuy regarding lithium extraction. There are also concerns about undermining water protection laws in Mendoza and Chubut.

These, combined with the global demand for lithium driven by the green energy transition, prompt important ethical considerations regarding the impact on vulnerable communities, as Argentina could be the epicentre of a new stage of lithium supply.