Independent photographer Pablo Grillo was struck in the head by a tear gas cartridge during a pensioner protest in Buenos Aires that was suppressed by police.
This statement was originally published on cpj.org on 18 March 2025.
Argentine authorities should hold to account police officers who injured independent photographer Pablo Grillo, who was struck in the head by a tear gas cartridge during a March 12 pensioner protest in Buenos Aires that was suppressed by police, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Tuesday.
“Photographer Pablo Grillo was peacefully working when he was struck in the head and gravely injured by a tear gas canister fired by the police. Argentine authorities should swiftly and comprehensively investigate this incident and hold those responsible to account,” said CPJ Latin American program coordinator, Cristina Zahar. “The Argentine government must ensure that all media members can safely cover matters of public interest without fear of reprisal.”
Grillo, 35, was taken to the Ramos Mejía Hospital in Buenos Aires, where he underwent two brain surgeries, according to news reports, and his health prognosis remains uncertain.
According to news reports, Grillo, who on his Instagram account defines himself as a photographer, a documentarian and a supporter of former President Cristina Kirchner, was covering the pensioner protest when violence erupted as police fired tear gas cartridges and rubber bullets into crowds, injuring dozens, including Grillo. At least 100 people were arrested.
In a press conference on March 17, National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich took responsibility for the police response during the demonstration, saying the officer who fired the canister followed protocol, multiple outlets reported.
She added, “The so-called march was an attempt, not to defend rights, but to destroy the public order gained in Argentina throughout 2024.”
Fopea, a local press freedom NGO, issued a statement asking for “a national investigation into the severe aggression.”
The message sent to the National Security Ministry press officer asking for information on the ongoing investigation was unanswered.
