In May 2015, the killing of 14-year-old Chiara Páez by her boyfriend sparked widespread protests in Argentina, leading to the Ni Una Menos movement. This movement has been pivotal in raising awareness about femicide, the killing of women and girls due to their gender.
Recently, Argentina witnessed a resurgence of anger following the murder of 14-year-old Agostina Vega in Cordoba. On May 23, Agostina visited a family friend’s home to collect a gift for her mother. Instead, she endured sexual assault and was later found deceased, with her body dismembered.
The discovery of Agostina’s remains, a week after her disappearance, intensified public protests. Demonstrations erupted during the annual Ni Una Menos event in Buenos Aires, spotlighting the demands for governmental action and criticizing President Javier Milei.
Milei has been vocal against the feminist movement, labeling it as ‘unnatural.’ His policies have targeted the removal of femicide from the penal code and defunding gender violence support programs. Human rights groups counted 63 legally registered femicides this year, with many arguing that numerous cases are misclassified.
The Supreme Court reported a 12% drop in femicide cases to 200 last year compared to 2024. However, victim advocates suggest this decrease indicates misclassification of crimes rather than a reduction in violence.
Handling of Agostina’s Case Under Scrutiny
Agostina’s murder has drawn criticism toward the authorities. Despite her family’s swift action in filing a missing person’s report, there was a significant delay in issuing an alert. Security forces were apparently preoccupied with a soccer event on the day she vanished.
The suspect, Claudio Barrelier, has a criminal past, including prior charges of abduction. Despite previous charges, he was bailed out for a nominal amount. The prosecution now faces accusations of delaying justice. Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva refused to label Agostina’s death as femicide.
Advocates stress the importance of recognizing femicide to ensure strict punishments and effective policies against gender violence. Lucila Galkin of Amnesty International Argentina highlights the need to acknowledge these crimes to fully understand and combat the issue.
President Milei’s Cultural Stance
President Milei has opposed gender equality policies, seeing them as negative remnants of socialism. Despite opposing femicide classifications, his government plans to impose stricter penalties for false gender violence reports.
Milei’s administration has disbanded women’s ministries, cut funding for anti-violence support programs, banned gender-inclusive language, and reduced resources for public assistance programs for violence victims.
Protesters Demand Justice
In response to Agostina’s murder, thousands gathered at the National Congress in Buenos Aires. Individuals like Laura Lenaza, who attended with her daughter, emphasized fighting for women’s rights.
María Cacharo participated with her daughter to honor her sister, who died due to domestic violence. The protests underscored the damaging effects of reducing resources for women’s services, criticizing how Agostina’s case was managed.
Agostina’s family led a march in Cordoba, advocating for accountability under the Ni Una Menos movement banner. The protests reinvigorated discussions around societal gender issues that seemed resolved, reminding the public of ongoing challenges.