The situation is being escalated in Argentina by the far-right Millay regime to persecute opponents, particularly targeting grassroots activists, especially those belonging to the piqueteros movement – an organization of unemployed and precarious workers in poorer neighborhoods and the Partido Obrero, a party of militant anti-capitalism Left. International campaign to collect signatures against persecution and authoritarianism. You can sign here.
Argentine President Javier Millay and his security minister, Patricia Bullrich, have launched a fierce campaign against social protest since their first minute in office, threatening democratic freedoms in Argentina.
The situation is escalating towards the persecution of opponents, particularly targeting grassroots activists, especially those belonging to the piqueteros movement – an organization of unemployed and precarious workers in the poorest neighborhoods.
A clear example is the accusation of “rebellion” and “terrorism” against those who protested against the “Basic Law”, which intends to hand over the country to big financial capital. There are still comrades being held, and the government has even declared a virtual state of siege during the demonstrations in Congress.
A report by the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS) revealed that, in the last six months, 665 people were injured in protests in Buenos Aires alone. 80 were arbitrarily arrested and 47 journalists were injured in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Rosario. Amnesty International has also reported the deterioration of democratic freedoms in the country.
The national security forces have raided sissitas and community centers in the city of Buenos Aires, and now also in the State of Buenos Aires and Neuquén, against organizations such as Polo Obrero, MTR Histórico, Barrios de Pie and many others. We are talking about dozens of comrades, whose houses were raided, who were arrested and prosecuted.
The repression also extends to the labor movement. Police have entered workplaces to break up assemblies and quell protests by Sutna (tire workers’ union), public sector workers, among others.
The Palestinian solidarity movement has come under attack, with activists facing legal action over their comments on social media, including MP Vanina Biasi.
At the center of the attack is Polo Obrero, with its members facing the risk of imprisonment for organizing in their neighborhoods. Millay and other far-right figures have even issued death threats against leaders such as Eduardo “Chiquito” Belliboni.
One of the most serious actions was the raid on the headquarters of the Partido Obrero (Workers’ Party) of the Left Front. This prompted a complaint to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which was supported by all opposition blocs.
Media lies, cyberattacks and court maneuvers are being copied by European and American far-right tactics. Milei seeks to place the blame for the crisis on the poorest and most vulnerable people.
But the reality is the opposite.
It is the efforts of workers and their organizations that allow survival in the face of a government that ignores the social consequences of its austerity policies. The other side of the government’s repression is its corruption. Scandals have arisen involving the resale of food intended for for the most needy and the withholding of tons of food, while the people of Argentina suffer from hunger.
If we don’t stop this situation, Miley will succeed in his goal of imposing more cuts and ending civil liberties.
Freedom for all political prisoners and closure of prosecution cases by the justice of Miley and Bullrich!
Down with the prosecutions against the Piketeros movement, the trade unions and the popular movement!
2024-08-26 18:49:31