Argentina’s Battle Over Femicide Laws: A Father’s Fight for Justice
Edgardo Aló’s daughter, Carolina, was murdered in 1996, leading him to campaign for laws recognizing femicide in Argentina. Despite significant reforms in 2012, the current government under President Javier Milei threatens to repeal these protections. The high rates of femicide in Argentina highlight the urgency of maintaining targeted measures for women’s safety.
Edgardo Aló’s life was irrevocably changed in 1996 when his daughter, Carolina, was brutally murdered by her boyfriend, who stabbed her 113 times. Following this tragedy, Edgardo became an ardent advocate for justice, playing a crucial role in reforming Argentina’s penal code to recognize femicide as an aggravating factor in homicide cases by 2012. However, recent threats to these protections under President Javier Milei’s government have left him and many advocates feeling that their hard-fought victories are now at risk.
On January 24, Minister of Justice Mariano Cúneo Libarona announced plans to eliminate femicide from the penal code, arguing it distorts the concept of equality. Critics contend that this proposal is part of a broader effort by the Milei administration to undermine women’s rights, further evidenced by the president’s remarks against femicide and his critique of what he termed “radical feminism” at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
With alarming statistics illustrating the ongoing threat to women, such as the reported 252 femicides in 2024, Edgardo and other campaigners have expressed concern that recent legal reforms will fail to address the unique and violent context of femicides. A lawyer specializing in gender issues highlighted that men are typically murdered by strangers, whereas women face greater danger from known male relatives or partners, underscoring the need for more targeted protective policies.
In the past, the sentences for men who committed gender-based murders were often lenient, a reality that motivated Edgardo to advocate for rigorous legal reforms. His determination contributed to the 2012 amendment that increased penalties for femicides. Nevertheless, the current government’s potential rollback of those protections raises alarm among advocates for women’s security, especially as support programs for victims of domestic violence have also been weakened.
After nearly three decades since Carolina’s death, her killer, Fabián Tablado, has been released from prison but remains a source of distress for Edgardo, who must confront the reality of Tablado’s active presence in society. Edgardo’s ongoing fear underscores the need for adequate protections for women and reinforces the critical importance of sustained advocacy to safeguard against erosion of hard-won rights.
The brutal murder of Carolina Aló in 1996 sparked a protracted battle for justice led by her father, Edgardo Aló. His fight resulted in significant legal reforms in Argentina, particularly in recognizing femicide as a serious crime under the penal code. However, the current political landscape poses threats to these protections, particularly under the leadership of President Javier Milei, whose policies and comments suggest a rollback of established rights for women.
The challenges faced by Edgardo Aló and other advocates highlight the delicate balance between legal protections for women and political agendas that seek to diminish those rights. The fight against femicide is far from over, as recent governmental changes risk undoing crucial reforms aimed at protecting women from gender-based violence. Continuous advocacy and public awareness are essential to safeguard the rights and lives of women in Argentina.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
