Argentina Security Minister summoned over plainclothes officer conduct

Argentine legislator Esteban Paulón has formally requested that Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva appear before the Chamber of Deputies to explain the conduct of federal forces during recent protests near the National Congress. The request follows a security operation during a debate on land property laws that resulted in injuries to protesters and journalists, including a reporter who suffered a skull fracture.

Controversy has intensified following the viral spread of images showing an armed individual in civilian clothing without visible identification participating in the operation. The individual has been identified by various sources and social media users as Inspector Commissioner Gustavo Antonio Gauna of the Argentine Federal Police (PFA). Gauna, a high-ranking official within the PFA, was reportedly seen aiming a long weapon toward demonstrators.

Opposition members and legal experts have raised concerns regarding the legality of using unidentified, plainclothes officers during public demonstrations, suggesting such methods may violate constitutional guarantees. While some sources within the Ministry of Security suggest internal sanctions may follow, others defend the use of plainclothes investigation brigades. The National Commission for the Prevention of Torture (CNPT) has characterized the use of force during the event as “abusivo y desproporcionado” (abusive and disproportionate).