Buenos Aires protest exposes deep divide over Argentina’s dictatorship legacy: Video

Demonstrators and opposing groups occupied the same areas of the plaza, creating moments of friction as each side attempted to assert its position.

Speaking at the event, Pañuelos Negros founder Asuncion Benedict defended the group’s demands. "The three causes are the moral and economic recognition of the veterans, of all the veterans, of the war against subversion, the moral and economic recognition of the civilian victims and of the armed forces, of the war against subversion. And especially in this event, we ask for the release and vindication of the political prisoners or captive patriots or prisoners of war, prisoners of subversion, as we call them," she said.

Their march, however, drew swift condemnation from human rights organisations, social movements, and citizens who mobilised to reject any attempt to legitimise figures associated with state violence during the dictatorship. Many of those opposing the protest described it as a direct affront to the memory of the victims, emphasising that they would not tolerate what they see as efforts to rehabilitate perpetrators.

The counter-demonstrators invoked the memory of the disappeared and victims of torture, framing their presence as a defence of historical truth and justice. Tension rose at several points as chants and banners from both sides confronted each other across the plaza.

Security forces remained deployed throughout the afternoon to prevent clashes, while traffic around the area was partially restricted as the demonstrations unfolded.