Lawmakers Demand Government Explanation for Armed Plainclothes Officers at Protest

Argentine lawmakers are demanding answers from the government about the presence and actions of armed plainclothes officers during a recent protest outside Congress. The controversy erupted after photos circulated online showing an unidentified officer, dressed in civilian attire, firing what appears to be a long gun towards demonstrators.

The images, captured during protests against a proposed law on the inviolability of private property, have fueled outrage and calls for accountability. The demonstration saw clashes between some protesters and security forces, resulting in arrests and injuries among civilians and officers. Legislator Esteban Paulon has formally requested the Minister of Security, Alejandra Monteoliva, to explain the deployment of these unmarked officers who were seen aiming weapons at participants.

Paulon's resolution questions the justification for deploying plainclothes agents without visible identification who were carrying firearms and, according to visual records, "indiscriminately pointing" them at people. The legislator also seeks to know if an investigation is underway into the "unjustified repression" that allegedly lasted over two hours against protesters who were initially peaceful.

Furthermore, the inquiry aims to identify the security force agents responsible for directly firing at workers, journalists, and demonstrators near Congress. The incident has raised serious concerns about police conduct and the use of force during public demonstrations in Argentina. Senator María Florencia Arietto, however, publicly supported the officer seen in the photos, stating she would defend him pro bono if he faced legal challenges.