Numerous protests demanding the release of Geronimo Venegas

ARGENTINA, February 11, 2011.- The arrest of union leader Geronimo Venegas, in the case of the drug mafia, led to many protests in several parts of the country.

A group of farmers block Route 9 at km 145 to the height of San Pedro at 8 am and for an indefinite period. But protesters say they release the route every 15 minutes.

The secretary general of Argentina Union of Rural Workers and Stevedores (UATRE), the union that Venegas leads in the whole country, said: “We are here to support our partner Momo, he is a political prisoner in a democracy. We will stay as long as necessary.”

Meanwhile, another group blocks Pueyrredón Bridge. The rise of Avenida Mitre, in direction to Buenos Aires City was partially interrupted, but the slope that leads to Avellaneda, was completely blocked.

Also Riccheri Highway is interrupted to demand the release of Venegas, which takes up three protests that disrupt traffic.

Venegas was arrested by order of federal judge Norberto Oyarbide, because according to sources is the case listeners bind him to the drug mafia. However, the opposition believes that “this reflects a political maneuver by the government as Venegas is a trusted man of former President Eduardo Duhalde and it tries to counter the arrest of former ruling officer Hector Capaccioli, also involved in the mafia medicines.”

Venegas is UATRE Secretary General and leader of the 62 Peronist organizations, leading his guild for 20 years.