Argentine Judge Processes Social Leader Juan Grabois for Institute Occupation, Fines Him $5 Million

Federal judge Sebastián Ramos has processed social leader Juan Grabois and ordered him to pay a $5 million fine for his role in leading the occupation of the Juan Domingo Perón Institute last June. Grabois faces charges of trespassing and resisting authority.

The judge found that Grabois spearheaded the entry into the institute, which was closed and guarded at the time. He also allegedly encouraged protesters to remain despite police orders to vacate.

The incident occurred on June 7, 2025, when a group of former employees, accompanied by political figures including Grabois, occupied the building in protest against its closure, employee dismissals, and a potential sale. They gained access through a connected bar, "Un Café con Perón."

Federal Police and city forces later evicted the protesters and detained Grabois amidst scuffles. Grabois, when questioned by the judge, did not testify but submitted a statement through his lawyer, Nicolás Rechanik. In it, Grabois claimed he arrived as a lawyer for a cooperative to mediate institutionally.

However, the judge rejected this explanation, citing video evidence that he said clearly shows Grabois entering the institute's internal courtyard and then the building itself, leading the group of protesters after a partition fell. The judge also highlighted Grabois's social media posts from the time, where he called for defending the institute from what he termed an "oligarchic government."