Boliviana attacked in Argentina. Photo: Capture RRSS
The Bolivian community in Argentina convened a demonstration for the death of Richard Flores Mercado, after an attack of xenophobic characteristics. The protest will be held this Saturday, May 10, at 10 am, demanding justice and a stop to racism.
“Great march, we wait for all the compatriots of the Bolivian community to request justice for Richard Flores Mercado. The request for justice will be made on Varela Avenue, 125th Street. From 10.00 in the morning,” says the call that circulates in social networks and groups of the nationals residing in the neighboring country.
According to local reports, Richard died a few days ago, after May 3 suffered a violent attack with xenophobic characteristics. The news came to the country with a video that circulated on the networks, about the moment he received the first blow, by an Argentine citizen who shouted, “because he did not return to your country.”
The witnesses reported Bolivia in the Air TV, a digital medium of the Bolivian community in Argentina, which the event began on Saturday when Richard drove a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. For his state he collided with a sign of a greengrocer. There was no personal damage.
Immediately, a group of people approached to unbelieve him. Without calling the police for what happened, they started shouting that it was a shame and that he did not respect the people of the country in which he lived. He was claimed in the neighboring country and shouted that he had to go back to Bolivia.
It was at that moment that one of the aggressors approached, gave him a couple of thrusts and then a blow dried that he knocked him down, causing that when he falls he crashes against the retrovisor of the car. According to the witnesses, once on the floor, several people continued to assault.
Richard was taken to a health center where after he cured he was sent to his house, although he had serious injuries. Shortly after, he died. The exact causes of death are still uncertain, as they run at least three versions.
In Bolivia, the human Rights Commission expressed its deepest regret for the tragic death, in the town of Ezpeleta, Buenos Aires. Through an official pronouncement, the Argentine authorities were required to carry out an exhaustive and transparent investigation to take those responsible to justice.
Likewise, the concern for the circumstances surrounding the death of the compatriot was expressed, noting that it was an act motivated by xenophobic and discriminatory expressions, which attentive against their human dignity and their fundamental right to life.
“We condemn all forms of racism and discrimination,” says the document, which also demands to the judicial authorities of the Republic of Argentina a timely, rigorous and transparent investigation, to clarify the facts and sanction with severity to those responsible material and intellectuals.
