AMERICAS

Argentina: Fighting insecurity or just responding with more violence?

Macri's administration created a new security doctrine that seek to combat drug trafficking and terrorism within the country

Argentina: Fighting insecurity or just responding with more violence?

With a new strategy for fighting terrorism and drug trafficking and, simultaneously, with the intention of modifying the social security policy, the Argentine government, lead by president Mauricio Macri, made the announcement of a new doctrine security with the creation of a Rapid Deployment Force that acts across the country.

According to Defense Minister Oscar Aguad, this deployment force will consist of members of the three Armed Forces, namely Army, Navy and Air Force, who would support security forces on issues related to drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as with the "Mapuche threat."

It is noteworthy that Patricia Bullrich, Minister of Security of Argentina, said that "as public policy, we will defend a police action that leaves no kill". All this after the announcement of a "new doctrine" the exercise of authority in the southern country.

Bullrich also added that in a civilized country, the state is the one who "is responsible for giving the presumption of innocence to the police", which are seeking to ensure action to "prevent crime".

Congressman Guillermo Cardona stated strong criticism towards the involvement of the Armed Forces on issues related to internal security, stressing that all they want is to consolidate the repressive governance model of Macri.

It is important to remember that one of the biggest concerns that exists within Argentine territory is using repressive measures, due to the fact that, historically, it has affected the country's human rights through abuses during the time of the dictatorship. 

However, during his most recent visit to the United States, the Security Minister said that this is not against constitutional guarantees, but following the events in the case of agent Luis Chocobar, who shot an a criminal, he doesn't fear what the critics say. 

Moreover, from the FBI, the minister received praise and closed partnership agreements against the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism, managing to link other US agencies such as the DEA, the Office of Homeland Security, and the State Department.

Firm hand

This so-called "tough measure" comes at a difficult time in Argentina where it is being currently discussed the role of security forces in the fight against crime.

This comes in the wake of the case Chocobar, a policeman who shot an alleged thief in the back, although there is no clear evidence of the fact aside from a recording that lead to government officials congratulating the agent for having "done his duty".

 

Latin American Post | July Abella

Copy edited by Susana Cicchetto

 

 

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