Injuries and Arrests in Argentina as Football Fans and Retirees Face Off with Police

Injuries and Arrests in Argentina as Football Fans and Retirees Face Off with Police

Riot police in Buenos Aires deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to break up demonstrators protesting pension reductions in Argentina’s capital.

A wave of unrest led to at least 15 injuries and the arrest of over 100 individuals as football supporters and retirees clashed with law enforcement officers. The protest was fueled by widespread opposition to the economic policies of President Javier Milei, particularly the cuts affecting pensioners.

Authorities engaged in efforts to control the turmoil on Wednesday, facing stone-throwing protesters who voiced their frustration against the government’s austerity measures. Police forces confirmed that among those hospitalized was an officer who sustained a gunshot wound, along with a demonstrator struck in the head by a tear gas canister.

Since the libertarian Milei assumed office in late 2023, pensioners have consistently taken to the streets to decry the financial hardships resulting from pension cutbacks. On this occasion, they were joined by football fans from various clubs in a show of solidarity.

Thousands joined the protest after footage circulated online showing an elderly man in a football jersey being assaulted by police.

Jose, a retiree who participated in the demonstration, told that pensioners have been deprived of access to necessary medication and seen their pensions slashed.

Adding to the tensions, a newly released resolution from Argentina’s Ministry of Security on Wednesday prohibited individuals engaging in traffic obstructions, security threats, or "violent behavior" from entering football stadiums.

Protesters, voicing their outrage near the Congress building and Plaza de Mayo, chanted: 'Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship!', drawing comparisons between his administration and Argentina’s military rule from 1976 to 1983.

Escalation and Violent Clashes

Among the wounded, one of the most severe cases involved photojournalist Pablo Grillo, who was seen in widely circulated videos being struck by a projectile while taking photographs. His father, Fabian, spoke to the press, stating that his son’s life was in jeopardy and holding Milei’s government accountable for the injuries.

The protesters—many carrying Argentine flags and images of late football icon Diego Maradona—faced a heavy police presence outside Congress, which was in session during the demonstration.

Riot officers, supported by motorcycle units, spent over two hours attempting to clear demonstrators from a major avenue. Protesters retaliated by hurling firecrackers, stun grenades, and chunks of pavement torn from sidewalks.

As the conflict intensified, a police patrol car and several garbage bins were set ablaze, while makeshift barricades were erected on nearby streets.

A video depicting an officer pushing and striking an elderly woman, who then fell and suffered a bleeding head injury, has sparked widespread condemnation across social media.

Mounting Frustration Amid Economic Hardships

Public outrage is further exacerbated by the ongoing trial of seven medical professionals accused of homicide in connection with Maradona’s 2020 death.

The legendary footballer passed away alone in a rented home in Buenos Aires while under post-surgical care following brain surgery. His medical team has faced allegations of criminal negligence.

Amid a climate of financial austerity, pensioners have borne the brunt of the economic downturn, as pension increases have significantly lagged behind inflation. Nearly 60% of retirees subsist on minimum benefits, amounting to roughly $340 per month.

Last year, President Milei vetoed legislation that sought to raise pension payouts, despite its limited effect on inflation concerns.