Humanist Movement activists entered the Obelisk of Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 7th, where they deployed a large orange flag with the logo of the World March for Peace and Non-Violence on the 67.5 meters high structure. The non-violent direct action that took place around 7 a.m. was widely reported in local newspapers.
Shortly thereafter, the Federal Police, who had a strong operation in the area, arrested the humanists and took them to the tribunal warden where they were prosecuted and questioned. The police allege that this incident caused damage to the historical monument.
The obelisk is considered the most important historic symbol of the city of Buenos Aires. It is located in la Plaza de la Republica at the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the country.
The monument has been in the center of Buenos Aires since 1936, symbolizing the founding of Buenos Aires and the first hoisting of the national flag at St. Nicholas.
The visible structure of the obelisk has a length of 67 and one half meters in full, 7 by 7 meters at the base, and stretches 63 meters up to the beginning of the apex. The apex, which is 4.5 meters tall, has sides measuring 3.5 meters.
With this action on the most visible landmark of the city, the humanists intended to express to the entire population the start of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence. The march began its tour by leading a team of 30 people in New Zealand on October 2nd, and will visit a total of 90 countries before arriving in Argentina on January 2nd. This global event seeks to raise awareness about the need for nuclear disarmament and the elimination of all forms of violence.
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*(Translation provided by Matthew Oleson)*
