ADC condemns assassination attempt against Argentinian Vice-President and calls for defense of democracy

The Association for Civil Rights (ADC) strongly rebukes the assault against Vice President Cristina Fernandez that occurred last night at her residence door. It is a serious attack against democracy, one of the pillars of Argentinian society, and merits swift action by courts for its clarification.

Since the end of the last civil-military dictatorship, Argentina has engaged in a nation-building founded on the enhancement of democracy and the defense of its institutions. Any attempt against our political leadership is a direct affront to one of our fundamental agreements.

We call on citizens, and especially on the entire nationwide political spectrum, to reflect on the event and join in the condemnation of this threat to the republic. Violence cannot and must not form part of a democratic society like ours. And the defense of our institutions should not be the subject of the political divide. 

We call on those who represent us to act with the utmost responsibility to build bridges of dialogue and understanding by putting an end to destructive confrontation. Derogatory expressions and hate speech spread from whatever political sector, including that disseminated through the virtual sphere, can only lead to an escalation in violence that must be halted.

The defense of democracy is a duty that concerns all of us. We call for joint action to achieve social peace and safeguard the foundations of our society.