Protest in Argentina organized by retirees turns violent, at least 20 injured

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, which included the elderly, women and young people. At least 103 people were detained.

Videos circulating on social media captured police beating and dragging protesters, including footage of an 87-year-old woman sustaining a head injury while others attempted to assist her.

Among those wounded, Argentine photojournalist Pablo Grillo, was seriously injured by a gas canister that hit his head while he was covering the protests. Grillo was said to be treated at hospital.

Some football fans threw sticks and cans at officers, who responded with shields. A significant police presence, estimated at 800 officers, suppressed the demonstration.

The retirees, who routinely protest outside the National Congress on Wednesday afternoons, were demanding higher pensions and improved living conditions.

This week, they were joined by supporters from several prominent football clubs, including Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing, Estudiantes and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, who marched with slogans such as "We are with the retirees" and "We will march."

Hours before the protests, Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announced the deployment of the armed forces.

"Our forces are deployed to enforce the protocol. Traffic is not blocked, and hooligans will stay on the sidewalk,” Bullrich said.

Tensions escalated near Congress around 5.30 p.m. local time when infantry and motorcycle police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a group of protesters. Clashes continued, with protesters throwing objects at the police.