Over 20,000 people participate in the 9th annual Marcha de la Gorra, which took place in Córdoba on Wednesday. The march against police violence has been held yearly since 2006, and has grown considerably since its humble beginnings clamouring for the rights of those who suffer harassment at the hands of law enforcement such as marginalised youths, street vendors, prostitutes, and artisans.
“Less repression, more education” (photo courtesy of Marcha de la Gorra)
The march is part of a movement that protests the current Code of Misdemeanours, denounces police brutality, and asks for a transformation of the repressive security measures employed throughout the province of Cordoba. These opposers say that, as it stands, the Code sanctions police brutality while persecuting mainly low-income youth.
As specified in the Code, the vague definitions of minor offences such as “loitering” and “disturbing the peace” give law enforcement officials a lot of leeway; which combined with increasing reports of police brutality, have had repercussions primarily on vulnerable youth.
The University of Córdoba estimates that 67% of low-income youth in Córdoba city have been detained on the basis of infractions outlined in this Code; 95% of these youth were denied legal counsel.
Photo courtesy of Marcha de la Gorra
The march is the brainchild of a collective founded in 2007, called Colectivo de Jóvenes por Nuestros Derechos. Today, they march alongside more than 60 organisations to ask for the repeal of the Code of Misdemeanours.
Although the 9th march was envisioned as a peaceful protest –with musicians and artists performing as the marched towards the city centre– several acts of vandalism were reported; including graffiti and destruction of public property.
Typically held on the 20th of November, this year the March was moved ahead by two days so that it would not conflict with the impending ballotage. It culminated in Plaza San Martin, in the Cordoba city centre, with a public speech by the march’s organisers and a concert of popular cuarteto music.
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