Buenos Aires
Public outrage has curbed a wave of small-time abductions terrorizing Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. “Express kidnappings” net desperate criminals as little as a few hundred dollars, but they have become common as the country wrestles with the worst recession in its history. Most victims have been released unharmed after just a few hours. When kidnappers stabbed and killed 17-year-old Diego Peralta in August, angry citizens took to the streets. One mob torched a police station. Another marched and chanted, “We want to live in safety!” Over the next month, the rate of quickie kidnappings fell from four a day to zero, said Carlos Sablich, a police official. “It’s almost as if the kidnappers themselves were scared,” he said.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
The struggles of Aston MartinIn the Spotlight The car manufacturer, famous for its association with the James Bond franchise, is ‘running out of road’
-
The end of ‘golden ticket’ asylum rightsThe Explainer Refugees lose automatic right to bring family over and must ‘earn’ indefinite right to remain
-
Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama: Greek luxury with a breezy beach vibeThe Week Recommends Rhodes is reimagined in this refined and relaxed resort
