Argentine Government Files Lawsuit Over 'Attack on Constitutional Order' During Protest

Argentina's national government has filed a complaint with federal justice, seeking an investigation into an alleged "attack on the constitutional order and democratic life." The complaint targets actions that occurred during a demonstration near the National Congress while the Senate was debating a bill on the inviolability of private property.

Government officials Germán Pugnaloni and Lisandro Franco, from the Ministry of National Security, stated in the filing that the events denounced were committed against federal institutions, powers, and public officials. The protest, initially peaceful for nearly six hours, escalated around 5 p.m. when the Argentine Federal Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who were confronting the security barrier around Congress.

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The events we denounce were committed against federal institutions, powers, and public officials on the occasion when they were carrying out their duties and operating within the framework of their functions.

Reports indicate that small groups of protesters engaged in destructive behavior, breaking pavement and using debris to attack officers. They also destroyed and set fire to trash bins and containers. This occurred alongside police actions involving riot squads, tear gas, rubber bullets, and mounted units to disperse protesters, including those not involved in the disturbances. Eighteen individuals were arrested on charges of resisting authority and are awaiting proceedings with the Public Prosecutor's Office. Some may also face charges for property damage.

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We request that federal justice initiate an exhaustive investigation in order to corroborate the existence of the denounced facts, identify those responsible and all those who may have collaborated, participated, or instigated, contributing to the generation of the criminal and anti-democratic scenario that is denounced.