URGENT ACTION

ARGENTINA: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER DETAINED FOR PROTESTING
Alberto Nallar, human rights lawyer who played a very active role in the protests in the Jujuy Province that began on 15 June, was detained on 13 July and charged with the crime of sedition. Since 14 July, Alberto Nallar has been under house arrest. 

TAKE ACTION: WRITE AN APPEAL IN YOUR OWN WORDS OR USE THIS MODEL LETTER

Attorney General of Jujuy Province’s Public Prosecutor’s Office
Dr. Sergio Lello Sánchez
Email: slello@mpajujuy.gob.ar
Dear Attorney General,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the detention of the human rights lawyer Alberto Nallar.

As you are aware, in the cities of Humahuaca and San Salvador in Jujuy Province, at least 40 detentions and raids of private homes were carried out between 11 and 13 July. Among those detained were teachers, academics and human rights defenders who participated in the social mobilizations sparked by the recent constitutional reform in the province. 

Alberto Nallar was arrested in this context on 13 July 2023 and charged with the crime of sedition for his support of those protesting against the constitutional reform and his participation in the protests. Since 14 July, the human rights defender has been under house arrest. In addition, Amnesty International has received reports of arrest warrants against at least seven other lawyers who allegedly supported the protesters.

Given Argentina's international obligations to respect, protect and guarantee freedom of expression and protest for all, I am requesting that you to drop the charges against Alberto Nallar, which could result in an unequivocal restriction on the right to social protest, and to ensure his immediate release.

Yours sincerely,
[Name]

Additional information

On 15 June 2023, the Constitutional Convention of Jujuy Province (Argentina) approved a constitutional reform that many believe was carried out in a precipitate manner, without public participation or publicity, and that could pose a threat to the collective rights and worldview of Indigenous peoples.
The adoption of the partial reform of the provincial Constitution was followed by protests which were reportedly met with violent police repression in the Jujuy Province, including irregularities and serious instances of excessive use of force by state officials. The response of the Jujuy Province security forces to the demonstrations was a serious violation of the rights to life and physical integrity, which are recognized and protected by local regulations and international law. 
Protests by communities and civil society and human rights organizations are continuing in Jujuy Province as the Constitutional Convention has not withdrawn the recent constitutional reform. Between 12 and 13 July, arrest warrants were issued and arbitrary raids began against teachers, academics and human rights defenders. Since the protests began, at least 130 people have been detained, including human rights defenders.
Alberto Nallar is a lawyer and human rights defender; he unfailingly supported the popular mobilization against the constitutional reform and provided support and legal assistance to people detained during the mobilizations and their families. The crime of sedition of which he is accused is a criminal provision frequently used in the country to criminalize people who exercise the right to social protest, along with obstructing public roads, incitement to commit crimes or resisting authority, among other actions. 

PREFERRED LANGUAGE TO ADDRESS TARGET: Spanish. You can also write in your own language.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: 28 August 2023.  
Please check with the Amnesty office in your country if you wish to send appeals after the deadline.

NAME AND PREFFERED PRONOUN: Alberto Nallar (he/his/him)

LINK TO PREVIOUS UA: Not available

Additional TARGETS

Gerardo Morales, Governor of Jujuy Province,
email: privadadegobjujuy@gmail.com
Twitter: @GerardoMorales

Mr Javier Esteban Figueroa  
Embassy of the Argentine Republic   
65 Brook Street, London, W1K 4AH   
Fax: 020 7318 1301   
Emails: info@argentine-embassy-uk.org