(Reuters) – Images of partially unclothed prisoners in Argentina, with their hands bound behind their backs, have sparked controversy and praise in the country. Many observers have pointed out similarities to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s tough stance on drug gangs and crime. The governor of Santa Fe province, Maximiliano Pullaro, disclosed details on Tuesday about a recent police search at the Pinero prison complex, where several prominent drug traffickers are incarcerated.
Argentina’s security minister, Patricia Bullrich, shared the images on social media and commended the governor’s actions. Bullrich has previously praised Bukele’s approach to drug-related crime and expressed interest in adapting a similar model in Argentina. “They will face increasingly harsh conditions,” Pullaro wrote on his Instagram, accompanying a photo of the prisoners with exposed torsos and heads bowed in the presence of guards in military attire.
“Orders are being issued from within the prisons that are making life unbearable for the people of Santa Fe,” the governor added. “We will not yield to threats.” Santa Fe is located in the important grains port city of Rosario, which experienced high levels of violent crime last year as rival criminal groups vied for control over drug distribution territories. Since assuming office in December, the conservative governor has conducted numerous surprise inspections at prisons.
Argentina’s Center for Legal and Social Studies, a human rights organization, condemned the move, stating, “The humiliation of prisoners in Santa Fe does not enhance anyone’s security.” Other critics pointed out that the images were reminiscent of those typically released by El Salvador’s Bukele, who has implemented drastic measures to combat crime, leading to accusations of human rights violations. However, his efforts have also been praised for contributing to a significant reduction in crime rates.
Bukele sent his security minister to Buenos Aires for President Javier Milei’s inauguration and recently expressed willingness to collaborate with Argentina on security matters during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington. The situation continues to provoke debate in Argentina, with opinions divided on the effectiveness and ethical implications of the government’s approach to tackling crime.
(Reporting by Lucinda Elliott; Editing by Alistair Bell)
