Well it took almost two years, but I finally got involved in Argentine politics. Tonight at 6 pm, more than 10,000 people gathered in front of the Casa Rosada to protest the lack of security in the country and the corresponding increase in crime. The protest, which was also held simultaneously in other cities throughout Argentina, started with a rousing speech by a local Rabbi who was followed by a Catholic priest and then several protest organizers. While the event was billed as non-political and people were encouraged not to bring political banners, it was obvious from the speeches that this was a rally very critical (and rightly so) of the President and her administration. Click here to read the CNN article.
Scattered throughout the rally were family and friends of those who were killed by violent crimes holding placards with photos of the deceased, which really made it very emotional and put a human face to the situation we face here. Organizers anticipated 50,000 in attendance, but the turnout was much lower, unfortunately.
It was obvious from those in attendance that people here are very concerned and frustrated about the government's inability to keep crime down and reduce corruption in the federal police force. As part of the rally, there was a candlelight vigil and a moment of silence for the victims. As the crowd dispersed, a throng of photographers and others rushed past me photographing one woman on a cell phone (see photo above). According to someone I spoke with there, she is Argentina's most famous model, Carolina Baldini, who added her presence to the protest.
Here are two videos I took at the rally:
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