Four dead after clashes in central Argentina

Four dead after clashes in central Argentina

2010-12-14 12:04:40 GMT+7 (ICT)

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (BNO NEWS) -- The Bolivian Federation Civil Association on Monday confirmed that four people were killed during last week's violent clashes at Indoamerican Park of Villa Soldati in Buenos Aires, Argentina, local media reported.

The clashes between Bolivians living in Argentina and police forces began on Wednesday and left a total of four people killed. The violence erupted after members of the Bolivian community seized land from the park.

"We have to confirm a third Bolivian killed in these acts," said Alfredo Amoragam president of the association. "While he was hurt, a mob took him off the ambulance and he was shot to dead. His face was left disfigured."

The fourth victim was identified as Julio Valero, a 20-year-old man who died on Friday. During the first day of violence, the Paraguayan 22-year-old Bernardo Salgueiro and 28-year-old Rosemarie Churapuña of Bolivia were shot dead. One day later, another Bolivian national, Juan Quispe Castañeta, 39, was killed too.

On Monday, the Argentinean government claimed there were political activists from Buenos Aires who were organizing the violent acts. The main figures blamed for the violence are former President Eduardo Duhalde and the Government's head, Mauricio Macri.

"These actions were motivated by political activists from the Buenos Aires province and are methods used during the same dates," said Argentinean Cabinet chief Anibal Fernandez. "Near the holidays these people always find motivation for violent acts."

Fernandez also presented evidence which sustained his claims and added that the acts were a result of the illegal sale of land from criminals, aided by the Buenos Aires government, to people in need, such as the Bolivian migrants.

The federal government also blamed local officials for not building housing for many years, which caused people to look for other alternatives and the criminals to take advantage of those needs.

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