Buenos Aires, Oct. 15 (EFE).- Argentine security forces fired tear gas and high-pressure water cannons against a massive protest held Thursday in Buenos Aires by thousands of people opposing the policies of President Javier Milei’s government.
Security forces responded disproportionately to an incident caused by a group of about eight hooded individuals, who began smashing street furniture and throwing objects at the fence surrounding Parliament.
The police’s tear gas affected students, professors, and university staff, who were peacefully demonstrating to demand that the Argentine government, among other things, enforce the university funding law, restore salary levels, and allocate more resources to public institutions.
Amid the incidents, a cameraman from the C5N channel was struck in the face when he approached one of the rioters to ask which group he belonged to and what he was carrying in his bag.
Television cameras captured a police tear gas canister striking a female protester, who said she was supporting the protest to demand public education for her children, in the head.
The incidents occurred shortly before the march’s main event began amid tear gas smoke and chaos.
The demonstrations are taking place in Buenos Aires and other cities across the country to defend public universities, as unions, social organizations, environmentalists and activists protest the administration’s budget cuts. EFE
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