In a shocking incident that has sent tremors through Argentina's LGBTQ+ community, three women were killed and another severely injured when a man set their room on fire in a Buenos Aires boarding house. The Argentine LGBT Federation has labeled the attack as "potentially one of the most abhorrent hate crimes in recent years."
The victims, all lesbians, were living together in the boarding house located in Barracas, Buenos Aires. The assailant, a 62-year-old man who also resided in the same boarding house, was arrested following the incident. He was treated for a self-inflicted neck wound before being taken into police custody.
Pamela Cobas, 52, was the first to succumb to her injuries, dying just hours after the attack. Mercedes Roxana Figueroa, also 52, passed away on Wednesday, having suffered burns over 90% of her body. The death of Andrea Amarante, 42, was confirmed on Sunday. The fourth victim, who remains unnamed, is currently receiving treatment at Penna Hospital and is reportedly responding well to care.
The fire, which was started using rags soaked in a flammable liquid, spread throughout the building, forcing the evacuation of the entire boarding house. Seven people, including the victims, were hospitalized.
The Argentine LGBT Federation, in a statement, attributed the violence to a culture of discrimination and hate speech, which they claim is endorsed by several government officials. The Federation also criticized the current government for eliminating crucial resources for victims of such attacks, such as the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI).
The case, initially treated as an arson investigation, has now been reclassified as a homicide by the Criminal and Correctional Court #14. The Argentine LGBT Federation has pledged to support the victims and their families and to follow the case in court to ensure justice is served.
The incident has sparked outrage and protests, with a demonstration held outside Argentina's national Congress on Friday afternoon. Protesters demanded justice for the victims and denounced the attack as lesbicide — the killing of women due to their sexual orientation.
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