Urgent Action Outcome: Argentina: Lgbti+ Activist Decriminalised

Pierina Nochetti, a lesbian human rights activist, reached an agreement on 31 October with the Municipality of Necochea that was accusing her for allegedly making a graffiti in an amphitheatre. She is now free from charges and the criminal file against her is closed. 

NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.

Pierina is a mother of three kids and the primary provider at home. She defines herself as a visible lesbian and an LGBTI+ activist and is part of the committee organizer of the Pride Parade in Necochea, a coast town in the Buenos Aires Province. Since 2022 she has faced criminal charges for allegedly painting a graffiti asking, “Where is Tehuel?” in a local amphitheatre. The wall painting refers to the disappearance of Tehuel de la Torre, a young transgender man in 2021. Tehuel's family, together with transfeminist and LGBTI movements and human rights organisations, have led a campaign for justice since his disappearance on 11 March 2021, when he was going to a job interview.

The activist has also publicly denounced discrimination at work based on her sexual orientation and gender expression. Her trial was postposed in several opportunities, and it was finally scheduled on Octobre 30th. On October 31st Pierina reached a settlement agreement with the Municipality of Necochea and was acquitted. She is now free from charges and the criminal file against her is closed. In addition, the Municipality agreed to close the administrative sanction against her and to restore Pierina's work and salary situation.     

Following the urgent action, thousands of letters and mails were sent to the prosecutor in charge of the prosecution and more than 45,000 signatures were collected digitally and offline. Pierina is profoundly thankful for all the international support to her and her LGBTI+ activism. 

‘I am super grateful to have the support of a lot of people who think this is absurd. I am a worker, and they have violated my rights, even bringing me to an oral and public trial. We will continue to ask for Tehuel, we will continue to accompany Norma [Tehuel de la Torre's mother]. Our struggles are united, and I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else’, said Pierina Nochetti as she left the hearing held at the Correctional Court N°1 of Necochea.

NAME AND PRONOUN: Pierina Nochetti (She/hers)

THIS IS THE THIRD AND FINAL OUTPUT FOR UA 03/24

LINK TO PREVIOUS UA: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/amr13/7803/2024/en/