The national government summoned the National University of Rosario (UNR) and demanded sanctions against those responsible for promoting an event linked to the terrorist organization Hamas. President Javier Milei publicly supported the measure and directly targeted the university authorities.
The controversy arose from the dissemination of the screening of the documentary “La gran Palestina,” produced in collaboration with the “Islamic Resistance Movement,” as stated in the invitation publicly released by the Faculty of Humanities and Arts of the UNR.
The event that sparked controversy
In a letter sent to the rector Franco Bartolacci, the Undersecretary of University Policies, Alejandro Álvarez, emphasized that the Islamic Resistance Movement is listed as the original name or alias of Hamas in the Public Registry of Persons and Entities linked to Acts of Terrorism and their Financing (RePET).
The official warned that both the invitation and the screening of the documentary could imply the promotion of an organization expressly included in the registry as a terrorist entity. Furthermore, he pointed out that the glorification, justification, or public exaltation of terrorist acts could lead to responsibilities outlined in the Penal Code.
Fragment of the statement issued by the Undersecretary of University Policies
“In light of the holding of a propaganda event for a terrorist organization, sponsored by the National University of Rosario, and following the instructions of the Minister of Human Capital, Sandra Pettovello, we demand that Rector Franco Bartolacci explain how this was allowed to happen and sanction those responsible,” Álvarez stated.
The Undersecretary also requested that the highest authority of the UNR take the necessary administrative measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring again and demanded information on the actions, disciplinary measures, and any sanctions applied by the University.
Milei echoed the summons and harshly criticized the institution. “The UNR and terrorist propaganda,” wrote the president. He then added: “Let’s hope Bartolacci provides us with an explanation for such an aberration in a Public University, unless he endorses that the UNR is to promote terrorism.”
Excerpt from the statement issued by Alejandro Ciro Alvarez
The government's intervention fits within the firm policy against terrorism promoted by Milei. During his administration, Argentina strengthened the RePET and moved forward with the inclusion of various organizations linked to international extremism. Among other decisions, the Executive recognized Hamas as a terrorist organization and included chapters of the Muslim Brotherhoodoperating in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.
With the new summons, the government reiterated a clear stance against any attempt to promote or legitimize terrorist organizations, this time within a public university funded by Argentine resources.
