Argentina News

A Skyvan PA-51 aircraft, historically used by Argentina’s military dictatorship to carry out "death flights" during the 1970s, has been returned to Buenos Aires and is now on display at the ESMA museum. This plane was discovered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2008 by journalist Miriam Lewin and Italian photographer Giancarlo Ceraudo, shedding light on the regime's methods of terror, which included dropping alleged dissidents from the aircraft into the South Atlantic Ocean. The military dictatorship, responsible for the disappearance of up to 30,000 people during the Dirty War, utilized these flights to eliminate evidence of their crimes, according to Lewin, a former political prisoner herself. The plane reportedly logged evidence linking it to several death flights, and the identification of its pilots led to life sentences for those involved in these atrocities in 2017. The Skyvan’s return is part of Argentina’s ongoing efforts to confront its past. The ESMA museum now serves as a memorial for the victims and as an educational space for future generations about the horrors of state terrorism.

A Skyvan PA-51 aircraft, notorious for its use in Argentina's military dictatorship during the "Dirty War," has been returned to Buenos Aires after being located in Florida. The plane had been utilized for "death flights," where alleged dissidents were sedated and then thrown from the aircraft into the South Atlantic Ocean, a grim method implemented to eliminate evidence of the dictatorship's crimes, as recounted by journalist Miriam Lewin, who survived imprisonment under the regime. The plane was found in 2008 by Lewin and Italian photographer Giancarlo Ceraudo at a skydiving facility in Fort Lauderdale. Unaware of its dark history, the facility’s owners provided vital logs connecting the aircraft to various death flights, including one that coincidentally helped identify victims later recovered along the Argentine coast. In June 2023, the Skyvan was officially returned to Argentina and is now displayed at ESMA, a museum dedicated to the victims of the military coup, signifying a significant step in confronting past atrocities.

Opposition politicians in Argentina are pushing for the impeachment of President Javier Milei following his endorsement of the $Libra cryptocurrency, which collapsed shortly thereafter, incurring significant financial losses for investors. On February 16, Milei promoted the cryptocurrency as a means to stimulate economic growth and support small businesses, leading to an initial spike in its value before it plummeted to under $1 after reaching nearly $5, according to trading sites. Some economists described the incident as a potential “rug pull,” a type of scam involving the sudden collapse of a cryptocurrency after it has been artificially inflated, as reported by Argentina's fintech chamber. In the aftermath, Milei deleted his endorsement post, stating he was "not aware of the details" of the project. His actions prompted legal complaints, with one plaintiff alleging participation in fraud, while lawmakers criticized him for undermining Argentina's international reputation. Former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner condemned him on social media, arguing he leveraged his presidential status for personal gain. Analysts caution that this incident could significantly impact Milei's credibility as Argentina heads into midterm elections.

Argentine President Javier Milei is under scrutiny as calls for impeachment emerge following the promotion of a cryptocurrency, $LIBRA, on social media. On Friday, Milei shared a post via X, formerly Twitter, claiming that the coin would support small businesses. This led to a rapid increase in its value, but the price plummeted within hours after he deleted the post. Critics accuse him of a "rug pull," a tactic where promoters withdraw funds after inflating a cryptocurrency's value. Legal action has already been initiated, with complaints of fraud filed in Argentina's criminal court. According to Jonatan Baldiviezo, one of the plaintiffs, Milei's actions were "essential" to committing fraud. Opponents, including former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, have labeled him a "crypto scammer." Additionally, opposition members of Congress are organizing efforts to initiate impeachment proceedings, deeming the situation an "unprecedented scandal." In response, Milei's office stated that the post was deleted to prevent speculation and confirmed that the president was not involved in the coin's development. The government's Anti-Corruption Office is set to investigate the matter.

Residents of Nordelta, a gated community near Buenos Aires, are facing a rapid increase in the local capybara population, now estimated to exceed 1,000. Over three years, the number of these giant rodents has tripled, prompting complaints of property damage and pet attacks. According to Marcelo Cantón, spokesman for the Nordelta Neighborhood Association, the environment has become ideal for capybaras, which reproduce quickly without natural predators. In response to this growing issue, the Buenos Aires government has approved wildlife control measures, including sterilization and contraceptives targeting 250 individuals. The initiative aims to reduce reproduction and manage coexistence between residents and capybaras effectively. However, some residents, like Silvia Soto of the group Carpinchos Nordelta, express concerns over the lack of community consultation and the clear disregard for ecological impacts caused by the development surrounding the wetlands. The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with environmentalists pushing for protective measures for the wetlands rather than immediate action against wildlife. Researchers from Conicet are also involved, conducting observational studies to evaluate additional population control methods.

A stream on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, known as the Sarandi Canal, turned a striking red color on February 8, 2025, alarming local residents who attributed the phenomenon to pollution. Maria Ducomls, a 52-year-old local, reported experiencing a nauseating stench that disrupted her sleep. She described the river's appearance as akin to being "covered in blood." The reddish discoloration of the water, which flows through an area with numerous textile and hide processing factories, prompted the provincial Ministry of the Environment to collect water samples to investigate the cause, suspecting it may be linked to an "organic dye." Witnesses stated that by late afternoon, the color began to fade. Ducomls criticized the ongoing pollution, having observed the river in various hues over the past three decades, including blue, green, and pink. She called attention to the troubling impact of nearby industries that reportedly discharge waste into the river, stating, "It's terrible, you don't have to be an inspector to see how much pollution the poor Sarandi River suffers from."

A river on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, known as the Sarandi Canal, turned a startling blood-red color on February 8, 2025, alarming local residents and prompting concerns about pollution. Inhabitants of Avellaneda, approximately six miles from the Argentine capital, reported being awakened by a noxious smell emanating from the water. Resident María Ducomls expressed her horror, stating, "It looked like a river covered in blood; it's horrible," according to AFP. The province's Ministry of the Environment has collected water samples to investigate the cause of the discoloration, suggesting it could be linked to "organic dye." The canal, which flows through an industrial area with textile and hide processing factories, has a history of pollution, with Ducomls noting its previous hues, including bluish and greenish shades, often accompanied by greasy surfaces. By late afternoon, the river's color had begun to fade, although the concerns over pollution remain prevalent among the community, highlighting ongoing environmental issues in the region.

Residents of Sarandi, a suburb of Buenos Aires, are raising alarms over a river that has inexplicably turned a deep red, accompanied by a foul odor. Local inhabitant Maria Ducomis described the scene, stating, "It looks like a river of blood," which she attributes to severe pollution affecting the waterway. The alarming change occurred on Thursday when the normally unremarkable stream was suddenly discolored. Officials suspect industrial waste from nearby factories, including tanning operations that utilize toxic chemicals, may be the cause. According to media reports, the substance aniline—a toxic compound used in dyes—might have contaminated the river. Local authorities, including those from Avellaneda, have collected water samples and filed a complaint with the Buenos Aires provincial ministry to investigate the matter further. This incident is not the first environmental crisis for the Sarandi River, which has previously exhibited various unnatural colors and frequently delivers foul-smelling drinking water to local homes. The local community continues to call for accountability and improvements to their water quality as concerns about environmental crime linger.

A stream on the outskirts of Buenos Aires has turned an alarming shade of red, disturbing local residents who attributed the change to pollution. The Sarandi Canal, located in Avellaneda, approximately six miles from the Argentine capital's center, released a putrid odor that woke inhabitants early on Thursday morning. Maria Ducomls, a long-time resident, described the scene, stating, "It looked like a river covered in blood, it’s horrible," according to AFP. Another resident noted the river has previously exhibited unusual colors, indicating ongoing pollution issues. The Ministry of the Environment for the province of Buenos Aires responded by collecting water samples to investigate the cause, suggesting the presence of an "organic dye" linked to local textile and hide processing factories. The discoloration faded by late afternoon, but locals remain concerned about the ongoing environmental impact, lamenting the visible pollution in the Sarandi River, which has seen various contaminations over the years.

A river in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires province, has turned an alarming crimson color, prompting fears of toxic contamination among local residents. Images of the discolored water, which flows into the Rio de la Plata and borders an ecological reserve, have surfaced on social media, leading many to speculate about the possible sources of the unusual hue. Local officials suspect that aniline, a toxic substance commonly used in dyes and medicines, may be behind the phenomenon, according to reports from the municipality. Authorities have begun collecting water samples to ascertain the cause of the discoloration. While initial analysis suggests the may not be toxic, the situation has raised concerns about industrial chemical dumping in the area. Residents have reported powerful odors accompanying the river's transformation. The Buenos Aires Environment Ministry confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the actual cause and ensure the safety of the local ecosystem. The community remains on high alert as the investigation continues.

A small river in greater Buenos Aires, known as the Sarandí, has alarmed local residents after turning a deep red on February 6, 2025, reportedly due to an industrial dye leak. The river, located in the municipality of Avellaneda, approximately six miles south of Argentina's capital, has long been a site of pollution complaints from the community. According to local residents cited by La Verdad, a strong and "nauseating" odor has been emanating from the water, with suspicions directed towards a nearby tannery. Resident María Ducomls described the river's appearance as akin to a "bloody stream" and expressed frustration over the ongoing pollution, stating, “You don’t need to be an inspector to realise just how polluted the poor Sarandí creek is.” The regional environment department has initiated an investigation, stating that samples from the contaminated water would undergo chemical analysis to identify the organic substances causing the discoloration. Reports indicate that the river's coloring began to fade later that day.

Argentina's President Javier Milei announced the country's withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday, following a similar move made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Milei criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it an "outlandish crime against humanity," according to a statement on social media. This decision sparked immediate backlash from opposition figures and health organizations, who warned that it could jeopardize Argentina's access to essential medical funding. Juan Gabriel Tokatlian, a professor of international relations at the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, noted that any withdrawal would require congressional approval, as the relationship with the WHO is codified in Argentine law. Meanwhile, Milei's spokesman insisted that the decision would not harm the country's funding status. Critics from health advocacy groups like Soberanía Sanitaria expressed concern over potential negative implications for access to vital healthcare resources. In a separate announcement, Milei also revealed plans to ban gender change treatments for minors, further aligning his policies with conservative ideologies.

Argentina has officially prohibited gender change treatments, including surgeries and hormone therapy, for minors, according to a statement from President Javier Milei's office. The decision comes amid broader restrictions on housing trans women in women's prisons, with guidelines stating that offenders must be housed according to the gender registered at the time of their crimes, particularly excluding trans women convicted of sexual or violent crimes from women's facilities. Milei's government argues that extreme applications of gender ideology in minors can represent child abuse. The move follows significant protests across Argentina advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, after Milei criticized progressive policies during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The LGBTQ+ Federation of Argentina has declared that it will challenge the legality of Milei's decree, asserting that the existing law does not permit surgeries for minors. Trans surgeries are rarely performed on children in Argentina, with minors typically required to undergo medical evaluation before starting any hormone treatments.

Argentina's President Javier Milei has declared the country's withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), aligning with former U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial decision. Milei criticized the WHO's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, calling it "one of the most outlandish crimes against humanity in history." This announcement has sparked backlash from opposition leaders and health organizations, who express concerns that leaving the WHO will diminish Argentina's access to crucial funding for healthcare. Milei's spokesperson defended the decision, claiming it will not lead to a loss of financial resources. However, health advocacy groups, such as NGO Soberanía Sanitaria, warned that the exit could hinder access to vital medical technologies. Critics note that Milei's unilateral move may not be legally sound, as congressional approval is required to change the country's relationship with the WHO, according to Juan Gabriel Tokatlian from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. Milei's actions have been interpreted as an attempt to closely mirror Trump's policies, raising apprehensions about the implications for Argentina's healthcare system and international standing.

Argentina announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following the United States' similar move last month. President Javier Milei's office cited "deep differences regarding health management, especially during the pandemic," as the reason for the exit, according to spokesman Manuel Adorni. He emphasized the nation's intention to avoid interference in its sovereignty by international bodies. The decision is expected to provide Argentina with increased flexibility in crafting health policies tailored to its specific circumstances. Adorni noted that this could lead to "greater availability of resources" for the country. President Milei, who has implemented austerity measures since taking office in December 2023, has been an outspoken supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously criticized the WHO's handling of global health issues. The withdrawal from the WHO is viewed as part of Milei's broader policy agenda, which includes substantial cuts to public spending and a zero budget deficit commitment. The move could impact global health initiatives that rely on funding from member states, particularly following the significant financial contributions made by the United States.

In a groundbreaking development, Argentine biotech firm Kheiron has successfully bred the world's first genetically edited polo horses, aiming to enhance their speed. Co-founder and scientific director Gabriel Vichera explained that the team utilized a technique known as "genetic scissors," which allows precise editing of the horses' genomes before their birth. The genetic modifications incorporated sequences from Polo Pureza, an award-winning mare, into five horses born in late 2023. According to Vichera, the edits focused on muscle fiber development to enhance speed while preserving the champion horse's other desirable traits. Kheiron has stated that these new horses comply with Argentina’s current regulations and do not constitute genetic doping or genetically modified organisms. Vichera emphasized that the technique serves to expedite a natural process, allowing for rapid improvements in equine genetics without altering natural sequences. The team also has plans to extend their genetic editing techniques to other animals, including pigs, aimed at making their organs compatible for human transplants.

The government of President Javier Milei announced plans to eliminate the legal recognition of femicide from Argentina's penal code. Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona stated that this move is part of a broader initiative to uphold equality under the law, arguing that feminism distorts the concept of equality. Femicide, defined as the murder of a woman by a man in the context of gender violence, was incorporated into the penal code in 2012 as an aggravating factor for homicides, punishable by life imprisonment. This announcement follows Milei's controversial comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he claimed that existing legal frameworks already ensure equality before the law and that naming specific cases as femicide privileges women's lives over men's. Activists in Argentina have expressed deep concern regarding the government's stance. Mariela Belski, executive director of Amnesty Argentina, emphasized that removing the femicide category could increase the danger for women and girls, given that many femicides occur at the hands of intimate partners or family members. Data from the national ombudsman indicates that 295 femicides were recorded in the previous year. Since taking office, Milei's administration has already dissolved the ministry focused on women's issues and cut funding for gender violence support programs. The administration's actions reflect a broader cultural push against policies supporting gender protections, which activists argue could reverse years of progress in women's rights. The decision has prompted strong reactions from feminist groups, who fear it heralds a new wave of misogyny in Argentinian politics.

Argentina's President Javier Milei announced on January 18, 2025, that the country has achieved its first budget surplus since 2010. This announcement coincided with his implementation of a drastic economic plan, termed "shock therapy," aimed at stabilizing the nation’s economy. Amid ongoing high inflation and a deepening recession, Milei declared on social media that "the promises have been fulfilled" and touted the successful establishment of a "zero deficit" budget. Milei's fiscal strategy has been marked by significant cuts to public spending, including reductions in social programs and subsidies, as well as the dismissal of numerous public sector employees. These measures, designed to rein in government expenditure, resulted in a projected revenue increase of 0.3% of GDP for 2024, according to Economy Minister Luis Caputo. However, the austerity measures have had severe social repercussions; the inflation rate remains high at 117.8%, making Argentina one of the countries with the highest inflation globally. Furthermore, five million additional citizens fell below the poverty line in the first half of 2024, leading to 52.9% of the population now living in poverty, with extreme poverty increasing from 11.9% to 18.1%. Despite the criticisms of his economic policies and the immediate suffering they have inflicted, Milei maintains that these tough measures are essential for long-term recovery, predicting a GDP growth of 5% in 2025. The country is also engaged in challenging negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new support program after the previous $44 billion aid package expired. Milei is scheduled to meet with IMF Director Kristalina Georgiewa in Washington prior to the inauguration of the newly elected US President Donald Trump.

Argentine anthropologist Rita Segato, noted for her extensive research on violence, has proposed alarming connections between gender-based violence in Ciudad Juárez and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. During her recent presentation at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, Segato argued that these violent acts serve as a demonstration of power and impunity, marking what she sees as the end of an era of respect for human rights. Segato, who has devoted over 30 years to studying violence, power dynamics, and colonialism, expressed her concerns regarding societal trends that dismiss humanitarian principles. She articulated that the current geopolitical climate poses a universal threat, likening the violence in Gaza to a spectacle of impunity that resonates globally. Through her work, Segato has highlighted the systematic cruelty faced by women, arguing that their bodies become the battlefield where power is asserted. She criticized the lack of accountability in cases of feminicides, noting that 95% of crimes in Mexico go unresolved. The anthropologist's insights also draw parallels with historical instances of oppression, suggesting that the visible display of violence in Gaza is akin to the atrocities witnessed during the Holocaust, where such brutality was largely hidden from public view. As a prominent figure in Latin American anthropology, Segato, who holds several honorary doctorates and has written extensively on the subject, has gained recognition not only for her academic contributions but also for her passionate advocacy against gender-based violence.

An Argentine judge has confirmed charges against five individuals linked to the death of Liam Payne, former member of the popular boy band One Direction. The judge has ordered preventive prison for two of the accused, who are alleged to have supplied drugs to Payne before his fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October. The judicial officer stated that one of the detained individuals is a hotel employee, while the other is a waiter that Payne interacted with at a restaurant. Both are charged with drug supply and are required to appear before the judge. Additionally, three other individuals, including a businessman who was with Payne and two hotel managers, face manslaughter charges but were not ordered into preventive detention. Lieutenant authorities have previously revealed that Payne fell from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room. An autopsy identified the cause of death as multiple injuries and external bleeding, noting traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system. Prosecutors indicated that Payne did not die by suicide, and no signs of self-harm or foul play were found in the autopsy results. The incident has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the life of the talented singer, who pursued a solo career after One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016.