In May 2015, Argentina witnessed a pivotal moment when massive protests erupted following the murder of Chiara Páez, a pregnant 14-year-old. Her death, at the hands of her 16-year-old boyfriend, fueled the ‘Ni Una Menos’ movement against femicide in Latin America. This movement took a stand against gender-based killings.
Eleven years later, the nation faces similar outrage over another tragic case. Agostina Vega, a 14-year-old from Cordoba, was found murdered after being sexually assaulted. Her body was discovered in a drainage ditch, and initial reports suggest a brutal attack. This incident has reignited public anger.
Thousands gathered at the annual Ni Una Menos protest in Buenos Aires. Protesters carried images of recent victims, including Agostina, demanding government action and criticizing President Javier Milei. Milei has dismissed the feminist movement, cut femicide from the penal code, and defunded victim support programs. This stance, part of his cultural and cost-cutting war, has faced strong opposition.
The Center for Legal and Social Studies, a key human rights group in Argentina, reported 63 femicides last year. However, they and other advocates argue that the government often underrepresents these cases. They claim that over 100 women’s deaths haven’t been accurately classified as femicides.
Although femicide reports dropped by 12% to 200 cases last year, experts believe this reflects systemic misclassification rather than reduced violence. Natalia Gherardi, Director of the Latin American Team for Justice and Gender, emphasized the need to correctly label these crimes to recognize the full scope of gender violence and create effective prevention policies.
The police’s handling of Agostina’s case also spurred criticism. Her family reported her missing quickly, but officials delayed taking action. A taxi driver confirmed driving Agostina to Claudio Barrelier’s house, who is now the main suspect. Although he denies the allegations, his prior criminal history raises concerns.
Public frustration has grown due to what appears to be a lack of proactive investigation by law enforcement. Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva declined to label Agostina’s death as a femicide, despite advocacy groups’ insistence on using the term, which carries heavier penalties and ensures recognition of gender-based violence.
President Milei continues to push against gender-based policies, viewing them as socialist threats. Despite strong backlash, his administration proposes stronger penalties for false reports of gender violence. Over recent years, he has dismantled or unsupported several programs aimed at combating gender violence.
This neglect significantly affects vital resources like Acompañar, which previously aided 350,000 women, a 24-hour victim hotline, and free legal assistance programs. Such actions have increased public dissatisfaction, particularly among women who are directly affected by these resource cuts.
Recent protests have taken on a new urgency. Citizens gathered at Plaza Congreso in Buenos Aires, spurred by growing concerns over gender violence. Many attended for the first time, moved by recent events. They marched together, holding signs demanding justice for Agostina, pushing for accountability and equality.
Agostina’s tragic case has provoked widespread reflection on the state of gender violence in Argentina. Lucila Galkin from Amnesty International stressed that addressing these issues involves recognizing them fully, suggesting that society must discuss these pressing concerns.