Argentina Travel Alert

Hundreds of demonstrators are expected to take part in an anti-crime march on 30 August 2006 at Plaza de Mayo in downtown Buenos Aires. Juan Carlos Blumberg, who is the father of a kidnap-for-ransom victim killed in 2004, is organizing the march. In the past, Blumberg has organized demonstrations that have drawn thousands of protesters. In 2005, he managed to introduce modifications in the criminal code that increased prison times for those who commit violent crimes.

The protest action has widespread public support; however, some opponents believe that the march is a political strategy of the opposition (Blumberg will possibly run for governor in 2007) and that the toughening of the criminal code has also resulted in a more violent police force. There is a possibility of a counter-demonstration organized by pro-government groups. Reports indicate that at least 1,000 police officers will be deployed in the area to prevent any violence from occurring. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 1915 local time.