Buenos Aires Legislature holds hearing on police violence allegations

The Buenos Aires City Legislature held a public hearing to address allegations of institutional violence, harassment, and discrimination during police operations known as ‘Operativos Tormenta Negra’. These operations target informal settlements and vulnerable neighborhoods.

During the hearing, residents provided testimonies regarding physical and psychological violence attributed to security forces. Reports indicate more than 46 such procedures have occurred this year. The meeting included representatives from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), as well as the National Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

In addition to residents of informal settlements, representatives from the Once Street Vendors Union (UVAO) and community councils from Comuna 3 reported similar patterns of harassment. They cited the seizure of goods and the targeting of street vendors, migrants, and homeless populations in areas like Balvanera, San Cristóbal, and Once. Legislators from the Fuerza por Buenos Aires bloc have requested the interpellation of the city's Ministers of Security and Public Space to demand explanations regarding the protocols used in these operations.