Update
On November 26, 2024, we received notice that the case against Pierina Nochetti has been closed and all charges against her for “aggravated damages” have been dropped.
This outcome follows months of pressure from international supporters, including TRUSU’s Urgent Action letter sent in June of 2024. Amnesty International confirmed the decision and noted the impact of global solidarity was pivotal in helping bring the case to a close. Nochetti expressed gratitude to all who stood with her throughout the process and commits to accompany Tehuel’s Mother, so that nobody else experiences the same things she had while on trial.
“Knowing that our letter helped bring this case to an end reminds me why we do this work,” says Sydney Mattis, Equity Member at Large, “to make a real difference in someone’s life.”
For more details on the update from Amnesty International, click here.
In the most recent TRUSU Urgent Action Letter addressed to the head prosecutor for the Province of Buenos Aries, Argentina, the Union urged Mr. Jose Luis Cipolletti to drop the harsh and unjust charges against LGBTQ+ activist Pierina Nochetti.
“As committed advocates for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we find it deeply concerning that the province of Buenos Aires is criminalizing this activist so harshly for practicing anyone’s right to freedom of expression. We hope that by sending this letter, the head prosecutor will dismiss the charges against Nochetti and stand with LGBTQ+ activists in the future”, states Lalitha Dharmapuri, TRUSU’s LGBTQ+ representative.
On March 11, 2021, a trans man had disappeared while attending a job interview, since this incident organizations came together to lead a campaign. As an activist for LGBTQ+ rights, Ms. Nochetti supported this campaign regardless of any retribution that would arise, to which included a ten-day salary reduction for her job with the Argentina Government, and ultimately criminal charges of “aggravated damages” for allegedly painting graffiti.
Many internationally recognized human rights treaties mention that the right to freedom of expression must be carefully reviewed as damage to properties during a protest may not require prosecution. Argentina has been making strides in the protection of LGBTQ+ rights, yet it seems that trans and non-binary individuals are still disproportionately facing discrimination regarding accessing basic human rights, such as health care, employment, and education.
“We are calling on Mr. Cipolletti and the prosecutors for the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to continue to do work that is in line with the country’s best interest of upholding globally recognized human rights laws; by dropping the charges against Ms. Nochetti and stop any further punishments”, noted Dharmapuri.
The Union awaits a response from the Head Prosecutor of the Province of Buenos Aires on this urgent matter.
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.