The discovery of the body of activist Santiago Maldonado marks a tragic day for human rights and justice in Argentina, Amnesty International said today.

Maldonado was forcibly disappeared following a demonstration on 1 August when militarized forces violently entered a Mapuche community. His body was found in a river last week in the state of Chubut.

Mariela Belski, Director of Amnesty International Argentina, said:

“In these tragic moments, we stand hand in hand with Santiago’s family and will not rest until justice is done and all those responsible are brought to justice.

“Authorities must now ensure that a full independent investigation is conducted to establish who was responsible for Santiago's disappearance and death, who ordered it and who knew about it and failed to act.

“Failing to guarantee justice, truth and reparation would be a clear indication of where the human rights agenda of the government is.”