Tragic death of an 11-year-old girl halts Argentine elections | outside

The robbery took place in Lanus, a bustling suburb of Buenos Aires. While the girl was on her way to school, she suddenly fell victim to two criminals. The gang is known as “motochorros” – who steal motorbikes and get away with them. She was killed by a severe blow to the head.

Security cameras caught her falling to the ground, unconscious, and the perpetrators quickly took off. Despite frantic efforts to resuscitate her, her young body was lost after a few moments in the hospital. She did not survive, says Lanus’ Security Minister Diego Kravetz. The perpetrators are currently on the run.

The South American country has been struggling for years with high rates of inflation, as a result of which the Argentine Peso has become virtually worthless. Last year, the inflation rate crossed the 100% mark for the first time in three decades. Nearly forty percent of the Argentine population also lives below the poverty line. Research from the University of San Andrés shows that inflation and crime are Argentines’ biggest concerns.

Argentina heads to the polls on October 22 to elect a new president and parliament. Incumbent centre-left President Alberto Fernandez announced via video clip that he would not run in the upcoming elections.