Activists in Argentina are pointing fingers at the country’s far-right government, accusing it of fueling homophobia in the wake of a horrific alleged hate crime. The incident involved four gay women who were tragically set on fire, resulting in the death of three victims and leaving the fourth severely injured.
In the early hours of May 6th, a man in his 60s reportedly threw burning rags into the women’s shared bedroom in a boarding house located in Buenos Aires. The horrifying screams of the women woke up neighbors, who witnessed the inferno engulfing the building. The suspect, identified as Justo Fernando Barrientos, allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with the women, hindering their attempts to escape the flames. He then fled to the roof, where he attempted suicide before being apprehended by authorities.
The aftermath of the attack was devastating. Pamela Fabiana Cobas, aged 52, tragically lost her life almost immediately. Her partner, Mercedes Roxana Figueroa, also 52, suffered extensive burns covering over 90% of her body and succumbed to organ failure two days later. Another victim, Andrea Amarante, aged 42, sustained burns covering more than 75% of her body and tragically passed away on May 12th.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for action against hate crimes and discrimination targeting the LGBTQ+ community in Argentina. Many are demanding justice for the victims and calling for increased efforts to combat homophobia and ensure the safety and rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.