Argentina: Police officers face trial for death of man in Goya

A trial has commenced in Goya, Argentina, against Sergeant Santiago Emiliano Molina and Corporal Sergio Matías Maciel. The officers are accused of aggravated homicide following the death of 37-year-old Carlos Andrés Bartlett during a police intervention on November 17, 2024.

Prosecutors allege that the officers struck Bartlett with a patrol vehicle at least twice after responding to reports of a man carrying knives. The victim, who reportedly suffered from bipolar disorder and was experiencing a psychotic episode, died before reaching the hospital. While the prosecution focuses on the vehicle impacts, the victim's legal counsel argues that Bartlett died from multiple traumas and asphyxiation caused by officers pressing their knees into his back while he was handcuffed face down.

The Corrientes Ministry of Security previously attributed the death to a non-traumatic cardiorespiratory arrest, disputing the severity of the injuries. The defendants are currently under house arrest and face potential life imprisonment if convicted.