The minister in charge of security for the province of Buenos Aires was violently attacked on Monday by bus drivers incensed by the death of one of their colleagues who was shot dead, a murder that threatens to degenerate into a massive bus strike on the city. ‘agglomeration.
The attack on Sergio Berni, 61, who was accompanied by minimal security and was broadcast live by local television, occurred when he arrived at drivers who were demonstrating against insecurity in La Matanza, on the outskirts west of Buenos Aires.
Surrounded by journalists who were questioning him, he was the target of insults and stone throwing, including one in the face. He was also punched or kicked when he was briefly on the ground. We see him with a bloody face, visibly dazed. Then continuing to respond to the mics, defiantly asserting that he would “not run away”.
Mr. Berni was finally exfiltrated by police reinforcements and then briefly taken to hospital, while scuffles continued between police and demonstrators. Eight police officers and three drivers were slightly injured during the clashes, according to the emergency services.
Bus drivers were demonstrating after the death of one of their own, Daniel Barrientos, 65, who was shot at point-blank range by two thieves boarded to rob passengers, around 4:30 a.m. Monday.
“We have already arrested the author (of the crime) (…) Working is the only way to guarantee the safety of the drivers”, had time to declare Mr. Berni, a former military doctor member of the presidential Peronist party, before being attacked.
Following the murder, the public transport union UTA announced a strike on “the entire western zone of Greater Buenos Aires” (which includes 14 million inhabitants), a measure “expected to expand”, according to the union. The UTA was late Monday afternoon in a meeting with Mr. Berni and the governor of the province.
04/03/2023 21:47:47 – Buenos Aires (AFP) – © 2023 AFP
