Beatriz Blanco, an 82-year-old retiree, decided to speak publicly after being assaulted by the police during the retirees' protest at the Congress. In an interview with C5N, Blanco described how she was hit on the head with a police baton and then pepper sprayed in the face. Despite the violence suffered, Blanco stated that she is not afraid and plans to join the march again this Wednesday.
Regarding the police officers who assaulted her, Blanco affirmed that she does not forgive them, just like the Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich. The minister's reaction, who labeled Blanco as a "thug retiree," caused shock in public opinion. Blanco expressed her discontent and distrust toward the Justice system, indicating that she doubts justice will be served in her case.
Beatriz Blanco revealed that she lives on a minimal pension and spends around 170,000 pesos on medication. During the march, when she lagged behind trying to cross Avenida Entre Ríos with her cane, she was attacked by one of the police officers. "I don't know if it was him or someone else, but they immediately sprayed gas in my eyes and I fell to the ground," Blanco recounted. Despite this, the retiree confirmed her determination to continue participating in the protests.
The brave retiree emphasized that she always marches with her cane and has no intention of harming anyone. "I do not forgive the minister or the police officers," Blanco declared in response to Bullrich's accusations and the brutality endured. Despite adversity, Beatriz Blanco reaffirmed her conviction to continue fighting for her rights and stated that she will keep marching with her head held high.
