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Argentina: Joel Paredes

Blinded by Police During a Peaceful Protest

Twenty-nine-year-old ceramicist Víctor Joel Rodrigo Paredes lives in Humahuaca, a small town in Jujuy, a northern Argentine province. In June 2023 the local government pushed through changes to the province’s constitution, including restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly, as well as measures that may cause damage to the environment, and risk violating Indigenous Peoples’ land rights. The changes were approved without consultation with Indigenous Peoples or the wider population.

Jujuy is a province rich in lithium, a metal known as “white gold” due to its worldwide demand for the creation of batteries. Argentine authorities want to expand lithium exports. But people who live on the land, like Joel and his family, have serious doubts. Although not Indigenous himself, Joel sympathized greatly and was concerned for the future of his children who would grow up on the land. In support, on the evening of 30 June 2023, Joel joined a protest in Humahuaca square. Alongside hundreds of peaceful demonstrators, Joel played a “bombo” drum with his band while the City Council discussed the changes in a nearby building. For Joel: “Our musical instruments are our weapons.”

In the early hours of 1 July, the police arrived at the square and started recklessly firing rubber bullets into the crowd. Joel was hit in his right eye. The injury required surgery, but doctors could not save his sight and Joel is now permanently blind in his right eye. Joel is also left with debilitating nerve pain that impacts his daily life.

Joel filed an official complaint about the incident. The investigation is being handled by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. So far, no progress has been made in the investigation. No one has been held accountable for what happened to Joel and the other protesters.

Send your messages of support to show Joel and his family that they are not alone.

Víctor Joel Rodrigo Paredes (Joel)
C/o Amnesty International Argentina
Santos Dumont 3429, 2nd floor
Buenos Aires
Argentina 1427

Language Spanish, English
Pronouns He/him

Suggested message

Stay strong Joel, we are fighting for justice.

¡Mantente fuerte Joel, estamos luchando por que se haga justicia!

Can I Send a religious card or message?  No
Send an Amnesty card or mention Amnesty?  Yes
Include my name and address? Yes
In solidarity messages avoid references to Joel’s eye injury.

Creative solidarity ideas
• Draw musical instruments (especially the bass drum) and/or ceramics to represent Joel’s love of music and pottery.
• Share your hobbies and passions, especially if they relate to pottery.

Send an appeal letter
Urge the attorney general to bring those responsible for Joel Paredes’s injuries, and all other violations against protesters, to justice in accordance with  international law and standards. Emphasise the urgent need for justice and reparation for Joel and other victims of police violence in Jujuy. Sample Letter

Write to:-

Dr Sergio E. Lello Sánchez
Attorney General of the Public
Prosecutor’s Office
Sarmiento 427
4600 San Salvador de Jujuy
Argentina

email:-  slello@mpajujuy.gob.ar
Salutation Dear Sir

Joel Parades