Argentina in State of Siege

President Raul Alfonsin declared a two-month state of siege today in response to the “campaign of violence” against his democratic government. The measure empowers Alfonsin to order the arrest of 12 rightist military officers and civilians.

Interior Minister Antonio Troccoli made the announcement at a news conference at the government palace after meeting with Alfonsin. It came after a judge declared unconstitutional a presidential order to arrest the six army officers and six civilians accused of “violence against democratic institutions.”