The Federal Chamber in Buenos Aires confirmed on April 7 the prosecution of Nicolás Emanuel Céspedez, an inspector with the Argentine Federal Police, for pushing and causing the fall of Beatriz Blanco, an 82-year-old retiree, during a demonstration held on March 12, 2025, in front of the National Congress.
The case is significant as it addresses concerns about police conduct during public demonstrations. The incident took place during one of the regular Wednesday marches by retirees. On that same day, another incident occurred involving gendarme Héctor Jesús Guerrero seriously injuring photographer Pablo Grillo with a tear gas canister.
According to court documents, Blanco approached a police line using a cane when Céspedez pushed her. This caused her to fall and hit her head on the ground. She lost consciousness and required medical attention for a wound to her neck that needed stitches.
The majority decision by the chamber found there was excessive use of force and rejected the defense’s claim that Céspedez acted reflexively. Judges Roberto Boico and Martín Irurzun agreed that “there was disproportionate use of physical force against an elderly person with reduced mobility.” Boico also said there was no evidence that Céspedez had been struck by Blanco and stated even if he had been, his response was not appropriate. “There was disproportionate use of physical force against an elderly person with reduced mobility,” he said.
Boico dismissed claims from the defense suggesting involuntary action by stating there were no elements indicating such behavior from Céspedez. He considered instead that “the push was a voluntary action that directly resulted in the victim’s fall and injuries.” Judge Eduardo Farah dissented from this view; he argued more investigation is needed because current evidence does not clearly establish intent or criminal liability.
