29-year-old Joel Paredes lost his right eye to a rubber bullet fired by the police while taking part in a peaceful demonstration in Argentina. Do you support our call to bring those responsible for Joel’s blindness to justice?
Serious injury during peaceful demonstration
On June 30, 2023, Joel Paredes took part in a demonstration in the main square of Humahuaca in the province of Jujuy. While he was performing with his band in front of hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, the police responded with violence and opened fire with rubber bullets. One bullet hit Joel in the right eye. The doctors were unable to save his eye. He has been blind in his right eye ever since and suffers from paralyzing pain.
Background to the protests: Controversial reforms threaten indigenous rights
The demonstrations were directed against reforms to Jujuy’s provincial constitution in connection with planned lithium exports. The reforms were pushed through by the government without consulting the local population, especially the indigenous people. They restrict the right to peaceful assembly and violate the land rights of the indigenous population. Joel and the people in the region took to the streets because they are worried about the environment and their future. The global demand for lithium for battery production is driving further negative development in the Jujuy region.
No impunity for police violence!
So far, no one has been held accountable for the fact that Joel Paredes and other people were seriously injured during the demonstration. Amnesty International is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of those responsible, compensation for Joel Paredes and a review of police tactics during peaceful demonstrations. Support our call for justice and the protection of freedom of assembly in Argentina! Be loud with us to bring those responsible for Joel’s blindness to justice.
Write to the Attorney General
Call on him to bring those responsible for Joel Paredes’ injuries and for all other attacks on protesters to justice in a fair and independent trial.
Link to action (german): German Website of Amnesty International