The Embassy of Bolivia in Argentina expressed its "profound dismay" over the violent death of Richard Flores Mercado, a 30-year-old Bolivian citizen, on May 3 in the town of Ezpeleta, Buenos Aires Province.
The diplomatic delegation denounced that the incident may have been motivated by xenophobic attitudes and expressions.
"In light of the seriousness of the event and in defense of human rights and non-discrimination, Bolivia calls on the competent authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation to clarify the incident, punish those responsible, and adopt preventive measures," stated an official communiqué.
According to Argentine media, the young man was allegedly attacked by a neighbor following an altercation in a public area. The news outlet C5N reported that the attackers told him "to go back to his country" and accused him of "not respecting anyone," while also discriminating against him based on his nationality.
A video shared on social media shows the anger of local merchants and passersby, one of whom struck him with such force that he lost consciousness. Flores died days later due to the injuries he sustained.
Given the gravity of the incident, the Bolivian diplomatic mission demanded from Argentine authorities "a thorough and transparent investigation to clarify the incident, punish those responsible, and adopt preventive measures."
The embassy also announced that it would carry out institutional monitoring of the case in defense of human rights and non-discrimination.
"We will follow up with the relevant authorities to clarify this unfortunate incident," emphasized the Embassy of Bolivia in Argentina.
So far, Argentine judicial authorities have not released official information regarding the detention of the attacker or the progress of the investigation. Migrant groups and human rights organizations have expressed outrage over the incident and are calling for justice to ensure the case does not go unpunished.
The diplomatic delegation denounced that the incident may have been motivated by xenophobic attitudes and expressions.
"In light of the seriousness of the event and in defense of human rights and non-discrimination, Bolivia calls on the competent authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation to clarify the incident, punish those responsible, and adopt preventive measures," stated an official communiqué.
According to Argentine media, the young man was allegedly attacked by a neighbor following an altercation in a public area. The news outlet C5N reported that the attackers told him "to go back to his country" and accused him of "not respecting anyone," while also discriminating against him based on his nationality.
A video shared on social media shows the anger of local merchants and passersby, one of whom struck him with such force that he lost consciousness. Flores died days later due to the injuries he sustained.
Given the gravity of the incident, the Bolivian diplomatic mission demanded from Argentine authorities "a thorough and transparent investigation to clarify the incident, punish those responsible, and adopt preventive measures."
The embassy also announced that it would carry out institutional monitoring of the case in defense of human rights and non-discrimination.
"We will follow up with the relevant authorities to clarify this unfortunate incident," emphasized the Embassy of Bolivia in Argentina.
So far, Argentine judicial authorities have not released official information regarding the detention of the attacker or the progress of the investigation. Migrant groups and human rights organizations have expressed outrage over the incident and are calling for justice to ensure the case does not go unpunished.
