Six police officers suspended in Argentina over torture allegations

Six police officers from the Primera Seccional in Santa Rosa, La Pampa, have been suspended from duty following allegations of torture and physical assault against Lautaro Ruiz, a music teacher and luthier.

The incident reportedly began at a bus terminal after a dispute regarding whether Ruiz could bring a guitar onto a Plusmar bus. According to the victim, the situation escalated into a pursuit that ended near the police station. Ruiz alleged he was subjected to beatings and choking maneuvers.

General Prosecutor Guillermo Sanco stated that forensic medical examinations confirmed the injuries, noting that “it is clear that the injuries occurred in the Seccional Primera.” Sanco highlighted that security camera footage shows Ruiz was uninjured at the bus terminal but displayed facial and bodily injuries upon leaving the police station. An investigation is ongoing to determine the specific responsibilities of the officers involved.