Chaos in Argentina

[juju]

From indymedia.org :

<i>At least 22 people have died and several hundred have been injured in Argentina as anti-government demonstrations escalated due to an economic crisis that has crippled the nation. On Wednesday, a nationwide strike led to the resignation of the Finance Minister who oversaw the liberalization of the national economy. Argentina now faces $155 billion debt and a soaring unemployment level, in part due to its implementation of International Monetary Fund policies.

Looting was reported today in many parts of Argentina while confrontations were reported in La Plata and Cordoba. The government has declared a state of siege, thereby suspending all constitutional rights, including the right to assemble. Police forces have been called in and it is rumoured that the army might be preparing to aid in the repression of the people. Businesses are closing for fear of more looting and more actions like those seen earlier this week are planned by them. Protesters have stormed supermarkets in 'food riots' in direct action against IMF imposed austerity measures. The people in Argentina look out of their windows to see their country fall into chaos.

Argentina's President Fernando De la Rua resigned on Thursday after two years in office, fleeing from the government palace in a helicopter to escape throngs of protesters who were clashing with riot police outside.
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excerpt from a yahoo article:
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Says Eduardo Duhalde, Argentina's fifth president in the last two weeks, " This is the moment of truth: Argentina is worn out. The country is broke,'' he said in a speech to Congress after swearing in. The current economic model, "destroyed our middle class, destroyed our industries and pulverized our workforce.''
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A couple other photos I liked:



<i>Police standing over a subdued protester.</i>
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<i>A demonstrator kicking a fallen police officer.</i>