the driver they call a hero against the protest of protesters

The anger of some drivers was such that some drove past the protesters and one even almost ran over the group.

In that war, of all against allJoaquín Imaz, lawyer specializing in damageswarned LMNeuquén about the total absence of the State to resolve these types of conflicts.

Who is the main culprit

It is clear that roadblocks are a kind of “repeated figure” as a form of protest. But, someone stopped to think for a moment what would have happened if the driver’s impulse ended with a protester, at best, slightly injured.

Under different circumstances, Ramiro Gutiérrez was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the murder of Facundo Castillo, whom he ran over while leaving a party, on December 19, 2021.

In short, Imaz said, what happened this Wednesday on the highway bridges can be summed up in one sentence: “Crime against crime does not pay.” On the one hand, the crime of cut the route versus the crime of throw the car at a person. The first is typified in article 194 of the Penal Code. For some it may be punishable, for others not because it collides with the exercise of a right (to protest). But the person who, in an act of rage or anger, throws his vehicle at a protester commits a crime that can constitute a serious crime.

“If he happens to be run over, it could even be classified as attempted homicide.an intentional crime that includes a prison sentence and in the best of cases is attempted, which ultimately “The solution to these conflicts should not be sought, in my opinion, in the judiciary.”Imaz said.

Therefore, he considered, the question that must be made is “why did we get to this situation“.

“For me it is the total absence of political power, of Executive powerthe one who has the power to Police to avoid or deter protesters before they block a route; or get them out,” Imaz emphasized.

In short, the lawyer reiterated, “the only culprit is the State (Executive Branch), and it is not even mentioned. The most perverse issue in this story is that the real actor does not appearbecause there are no intentions to take action on the matter, to assume the political cost.”

However, he recalled that for these things many people voted for change in the last elections.

“The specific absence has to do with the Executive Branch, not with Justice.” Joaquín Imaz, lawyer specializing in damages.

Eventually, a judge should then decide who is liable for a sentence and what its scope is. But the core of the problem – according to the lawyer – is the “necessary and obligatory intervention of the Executive, just in time to free a route, so that the citizen does not end up being hostage to a situation and takes justice into his own hands.”

If necessary, the price he could pay is very high, because he would pay with his assets and his freedom. “The person does not even have the possibility of having their insurance cover the damages causedfraud and gross negligence is a cause of exclusionwhich leaves him criminally and civilly naked in a situation like this,” Imaz warned.

Going to the example of the driver, it would not be a justification for protesters to block a route, if he were judged for his actions. Perhaps the judge could only consider that circumstance when settling the sentence. The point is not to come to this; And if we reach this situation, Imaz reiterated, it is due to the absence of the Executive Branch that does not resolve the conflict. Much less does it anticipate or anticipate the conflict. “We should not have to reach this situation, but if necessary, the solution must be sought in the Executive,” he reiterated.

“If it were valid to throw the car at the risk of running over the person who is demonstrating, this would very soon be war against all, and it ends up being the perfect crime. The possibility of compensating a crime with another crime would be absurd.” Joaquín Imaz, lawyer specializing in damages in road accidents.

The reasons for the protest

The protest took place this Wednesday, June 26, on the 22nd anniversary of the Avellaneda Massacre, where they paid tribute to Darío Santillán and Maximiliano Kosteki, the young people murdered in the terrible events. In addition, those present demanded food for the dining rooms and picnic areas and for State assistance to be resumed.

The promoters of the mobilization, belonging to the Darío Santillán Popular Front, gathered around 10:30 at the height of the roundabout that connects with Route 151. Traffic was completely interrupted, Therefore, vehicles could not proceed in the direction of Neuquén and most were diverted via the Third Bridge. On the old bridge, in the direction of Neuquén-Cipolletti, no traffic problems were reported.

Some drivers, however, crossed the normal traffic lane and many managed to cross the cut, marked by burning tires, on the side. But some went further: one man did not stop and almost ran over the protesters that remained in the middle of the asphalt.

The moment of tension lasted just a few seconds. Fortunately, none of the people present suffered injuries.

At around 12:30, the group left the area and traffic returned to normal throughout the area.

The organization also brought its demand for food for the canteens and picnic areas and for State assistance to be resumed. They indicated that they have sought to maintain dialogue with the community authorities but have not received any response to the questions they have made.