Young men fight against the police in December 2001 (Photo: Sub Coop/Nicolas Pousthomis)
Trial Begins Over December 2001 Deaths: The trial of 17 former civil servants and police officers for their role in the violent suppression of protests in Buenos Aires at the end of 2001 began today. Five people were killed and hundreds injured in the capital during clashes between protesters and police on 19th and 20th December 2001. Among those facing various charges that include manslaughter, causing injury, and abuse of authority, are ex security secretary Enrique Mathov, and former chief of police, Rubén Santos. Ex president Fernando De la Rúa, who fled from the Casa Rosada by helicopter on the evening of 20th December, has already been absolved of blame for the violence and is not among the accused. In total, 38 people were killed across the country in two days of violent protests at the height of Argentina’s economic crisis in 2001-2002, which culminated in a historic default and mega-devaluation a few days later.
Social Groups Demand Release of Detainees in Chaco: The lawyer of five indigenous men who have been detained since last Thursday in Pampa de Indio, Chaco, said they were being held without the proper court order and issued a habeus corpus (writ) yesterday demanding their release. The five were arrested during violent clashes with police who came to remove indigenous groups that had blocked a provincial highway in protest at planned changes to food welfare programmes. “It’s noteworthy how they try to use judicial practices for local detainees that do not conform with national and international standards, especially when they are indigenous,” said lawyer Gonzalo García Veritá. However, Provincial Assistant Prosecutor General Hugo Miguel Fonteina said that the five men had not made a complaint about their arrest or treatment by police, and that all the correct procedures were being performed. Several social groups are planning a march in the city of Resistencia on Thursday to demand the release of the men and guarantees from the provincial government over its social programmes.
Teachers Threaten Strikes If Salary Negotiations Fail: The national teachers’ union CTERA threatened to go on strike for 48 hours on 5th and 6th March if an agreement on wage increases is not reached with the government. The first round of negotiations ended on Friday without agreement, with CTERA leader Stella Maldonado announcing the potential for industrial action while waiting for another round of talks. “We are against the 22% increase the government proposed – this is a long way from the needs of the people,” said Maldonado, adding that the union was “mobilised and in a state of alert”. Teachers affiliated to various unions are asking for increases of between 42% and 66% on last year’s salaries. This morning, Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich reiterated that the national government only negotiates a starting salary, and that the final wage agreements would be made by authorities in each provincial jurisdiction. Capitanich added that the government would make a “unilateral proposal” if an agreement could not be reached.