The Association of Lawyers in Argentina, an institution created in the seventies to provide assistance to popular and political struggles, is supporting three significant cases that reflect political persecution today. First, the revocation of refugee status for the Villalba family, who have been sheltered in Argentina since 2012. Second, the trial of members of the Lof Lafken Winkul Mapu in Villa Mascardi, accused of usurping their own lands. And third, support for actor Norman Briski, who has faced criminal charges for expressing his support for the end of the Palestinian genocide during the MartÃn Fierro awards ceremony.
In an interview on the radio program "Que Arda!", Laura Taffetani, a member of the Association, stated: "If all goes well, Argentine justice will order detention for extradition purposes, and we will be able to bring them to account before Paraguayan justice." According to Laura, the persecution against the Villalba family is retaliation after the Paraguayan government was condemned by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.
The case of the Villalba family dates back to 2017, when an eviction resulted in the murder of Rafael Nahuel. Although the main struggle takes place outside the courts, the Association is committed to unmasking the unjust criminalization of groups that challenge the established system.
Regarding the case of the Lof Lafken Winkul Mapu, a trial took place in September in which the community was accused of usurping their own ancestral lands. These cases are examples of the political persecution currently experienced and demonstrate the Association's fight for justice and the rights of indigenous peoples.
On the other hand, Norman Briski, who spoke out against the genocide in Palestine, is also facing persecution and legal charges. These cases highlight the struggle against the criminalization of those who challenge the established system, as well as the importance of defending the rights of indigenous peoples against state oppression.
