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Riots in Plaza de Mayo
Buenos Aires Herald
July 08, 2008

Quebracho demonstrators said they had to wait for two hours to be allowed on the square.

According to Justice Ministry sources, the conflict broke out when police found the demonstrators had a Molotov bomb and slings to be used with bolts. Police tried to prevent activists from setting up tents for use as soup kitchens. The demonstrators then hurled stones and sticks at policemen, and set a van on fire; according to TN news channel, the vehicle was City Hall property. Police tried to evict the protesters from the square. After several minutes, the demonstrators walked back along Avenida de Mayo which had already been closed to traffic while police officers fired rubber bullets. Ministry sources said that "the most violent incidents were staged by Quebracho, because Polo Obrero activists were fast withdrawing."

Quebracho leader Fernando Esteche said five activists from his organization were arrested, and added that they were beaten. Esteche denied the protesters were in possession of a Molotov bomb.

Police sources reported 11 officers injured, including police Inspector Mario Morales, who was hit on the head; they were all taken to the Churruca Police Hospital.

Opposition movement leaders announced they will march today at 4.30pm to reject yesterday's repression. Human rights organizations, students and workers' unions were summoned to join them.