• Urgent Action

Urgent Action: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER DETAINED FOR PROTESTING(Argentina: UA 74.23)

September 26, 2023

Alberto Nallar, a human rights lawyer who took an active role during the protests in Jujuy Province that began on June 15, was released on August 18th, after spending more than one month under house arrest. He is still being charged with the crime of sedition.

TAKE ACTION: 

  1. Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.

  2. Click here to let us know the actions you took on Urgent Action 74.23. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

    CONTACT INFORMATION:

    Attorney General of Jujuy Province’s Public Prosecutor’s Office
    Dr. Sergio Lello Sanchez
    E-mail: [email protected]

    Ambassador Jorge Argüello
    Embassy of the Republic of Argentina
    1600 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
    Phone: (202) 238-6400
    Email: [email protected]

    SAMPLE LETTER:

    Dear Mr. Attorney General,

    I am writing to express my deep concern about the continued criminalization of the human rights lawyer Alberto Nallar. Although he was released, the charges against him for protesting remain under investigation. Although he was released, he still faces criminal charges for pacifically participating in a protest.

    As you know, in the Province of Jujuy, between July 11 and 13, at least 40 arrests and raids were carried out in private homes in Humahuaca and San Salvador. Among those detained were teachers, university students and human rights defenders who participated in the social mobilizations resulting from the recent constitutional reform in the province.

    In this context, Alberto Nallar was arrested on July 13, 2023, and remained under house arrest for 37 days. He is still being charged with sedition for his support of the demonstrators against the constitutional reform and his participation in the protests. In addition, Amnesty International has received reports of arrest warrants against at least seven other lawyers who allegedly supported the protesters.

    Given the international obligations of the Argentine State to respect, protect and guarantee the freedom of expression and demonstration of all persons, I request that you drop the charges against Alberto Nallar that could imply a direct restriction on the right to social protest.

    Best regards to you,

    [Name]

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: