Piquetero

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A piquetero is a member of a group that has blocked a street with the purpose of demonstrating and calling attention over a particular issue or demand. The word is a neologism in Argentine Spanish, coming from piquete (in English, "picket"), that is, its specific meaning as a standing or walking demonstration of protest in a significant spot.

The practice began in Argentina in the mid-1990s during the administration of President Carlos Menem, soon becoming a frequent form of protest that still prevails on the South American socio-political scene.^[1] In 2005^{[needs update]}, it was reported that 70% of the piqueteros are women,^[2] and some of their leaders are women too, like Milagro Sala from Jujuy.

Piquetero organizations have also been fiercely criticized at times by many in Argentina, accusing them of being associated with organized crime and alleging unconstitutionality, in accordance with Article 14 of the Argentine Constitution, which states that citizens must be guaranteed the right to;

"... enter, remain in, travel in and out of Argentine territory."

And, in turn, according to art. 194 of the Penal Code, provides that:

"Whoever, without creating a situation endangering the community, prevent, hinder or delay the normal operation of transport by land, water or air or utilities communications, water supply, electricity or energy substances shall be punished with imprisonment three months to two years"