Bullrich Defends Police Action in Congress Protest: Controversy Erupts Over Reporter's Injury
The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, is currently facing increasing scrutiny and public debate after defending the actions of the police force during a recent protest in front of the National Congress. The incident, which involved the repression of a march by retirees, has sparked outrage, particularly following the serious injury of photojournalist Pablo Grillo. Grillo is currently in a serious condition at the Hospital Ramos Mejía after allegedly being hit by a tear gas canister. The situation is escalating as investigations and conflicting testimonies emerge, questioning the official account of events.
Minister Bullrich's Stance
Bullrich has stated that no internal investigations will be opened against the police officers involved in the operation. According to ámbito.com (n.d.), the minister defended the officer who fired the tear gas grenade, claiming that the action followed established protocols. «We are not going to open a summary against any police officer,» Bullrich stated, as quoted by ámbito.com (n.d.), emphasizing that the officer fired «as the manuals say.»
Bullrich suggested that the projectile ricocheted off the ground or a metallic structure before hitting Grillo. Furthermore, she questioned whether the injury was actually caused by a grenade, raising doubts about the type of object that impacted the reporter. These statements are now being widely discussed and challenged by various sectors of the media and human rights organizations.
Contradictory Evidence and Investigations
Contrary to Bullrich's version of events, an independent investigation conducted by the Mapa de la Policía, with the participation of forensic experts Guillermo "Willy" Pregliasco and Martín Onetto, presents a different narrative. This investigation, as reported by ámbito.com (n.d.), analyzed the trajectory of the projectile and concluded that the shot was fired directly at Grillo, contradicting the claim of an accidental ricochet.
According to the Mapa de la Policía (@mapadelapolicia, n.d.), the reconstruction of the event reveals that the tear gas was launched «as if it were a bullet,» indicating a deliberate act rather than an accident. This finding challenges the minister's defense and raises serious questions about the use of force by the police during the protest.
The Mapa de la Policía shared their findings on Instagram, stating:
«In our reconstruction, the specific place where the shot came from and the horizontal firing angle can be clearly seen. They launched the tear gas as if it were a bullet. Grillo was not injured by bad luck: they shot to kill him.»
Reactions and Implications
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism from journalists, human rights advocates, and political figures. Concerns are growing over the alleged excessive use of force by security forces and the potential suppression of journalistic freedom. Many are calling for an independent and transparent investigation to clarify the facts and hold those responsible accountable.
The debate surrounding this case is currently intensifying. The reconstruction of events, coupled with the severe injuries suffered by Grillo, are adding pressure on the government to address the accusations of police misconduct. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the future of policing practices and the protection of journalists covering public protests in Argentina.
Expert Opinions
Guillermo Pregliasco, a forensic expert involved in the Mapa de la Policía investigation, is a recognized figure at the international level and a researcher at CONICET and the Centro Atómico Bariloche. His participation adds credibility to the investigation, considering his extensive experience in high-profile cases, including the identification of the murderers of activist Teresa Rodríguez (ámbito.com, n.d.). His expertise provides a solid foundation for the reconstruction of the events surrounding Grillo's injury.
Ongoing Developments
As Pablo Grillo remains in serious condition, the call for justice and transparency is becoming more intense. The conflicting accounts between Minister Bullrich's statements and the independent investigation's findings are fueling public debate and demanding answers. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of this case and its impact on the relationship between the government, the police, and the media.
Points to consider:
- The serious injury of photojournalist Pablo Grillo during a protest.
- Minister Bullrich's defense of the police action, claiming adherence to protocol.
- The independent investigation by Mapa de la Policía, which contradicts the official account.
- The public outcry and calls for an independent investigation.
The situation is actively developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The public is now waiting to see how the authorities will respond to the increasing pressure and whether justice will be served in this high-profile case.
