A mobilization of retirees that usually gathers on Wednesdays in front of the National Congress turned into a day of violence and clashes between protesters and security forces, culminating in damage to public property and the arrest of more than a hundred people.
The event began peacefully but became chaotic with the arrival of violent fans and political groups opposing the government of Javier Milei. Protesters from various sectors gathered early near the Congress, while others moved to Plaza de Mayo with pots and pans to protest against police repression.
The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, described those arrested as 'violent picketers, militants of political groups, and violent fans,' affirming that they would face sentences of up to 20 years in prison under the new Anti-Mafia Law. On the other hand, the Chief of Cabinet, Guillermo Francos, denounced political movements seeking to destabilize the government.
The disturbances spread to different neighborhoods in the City of Buenos Aires, and the operation involved five federal forces and more than 850 police officers. Axel Kicillof, governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, condemned the violence and stated that in Argentina, the law must prevail, not violent fans or the left.
The day of violence also included protests in other parts of the city, such as La Boca, San Telmo, and Caballito, as well as pot-banging from balconies. The police reported the seizure of weapons among those arrested, including homemade pistols and a knife. The clashes lasted for more than three hours, leaving at least 46 injured, including 26 police officers.
One of the photojournalists was critically injured in the head by a tear gas canister, while police vehicles and garbage containers were set on fire. Patricia Bullrich released a video showing protesters attacking a police officer and emphasized that those arrested would face harsh penalties under the Anti-Mafia Law.
