Large-scale protests took place across Argentina on Wednesday following the killing of 14-year-old Agostina Vega in the central city of Córdoba. Her body was discovered in a drainage ditch on Saturday, a week after she disappeared. Vigils in her home province escalated into clashes with police as demonstrators demanded stronger government action against femicide.
Background of the Case
Agostina's family filed a missing person report on the morning she vanished, but authorities waited over 80 hours before issuing an alert to residents' phones in Córdoba. This delay has been widely criticized by activists and the public, who argue it reflects systemic failures in protecting women.
Protests and Demands
The protests, which spread to several cities, call for urgent measures to address gender-based violence. Chanting slogans like "Not One Woman Less," demonstrators held signs demanding justice for Agostina and an end to femicide. The movement echoes the same outrage that followed the murder of 14-year-old Chiara Páez in 2015, which sparked the nationwide Not One Woman Less movement.
In Córdoba, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, leading to several arrests. Similar protests occurred in Buenos Aires, Rosario, and other cities, with participants blocking roads and gathering outside government buildings.
Broader Context
Argentina has one of the highest rates of femicide in Latin America, with a woman killed every 35 hours on average, according to human rights groups. The Not One Woman Less movement has been instrumental in pushing for legal reforms, including the creation of a national registry of femicides and stricter penalties for perpetrators. However, activists say implementation remains inadequate.
The murder of Agostina Vega has reignited calls for faster police responses, better training for officers handling domestic violence cases, and more resources for shelters and hotlines. As protests continue, the government faces mounting pressure to act decisively.
