Overview
- The court made public its decision on Monday, declaring Argentina internationally responsible for failing to regulate a public artwork and for the ensuing impunity.
- It found violations of the rights to life, personal integrity, child protection, judicial guarantees, and judicial protection.
- Ordered remedies include a public act of recognition within one year with apologies, compensation to the parents including rehabilitation costs, a memorial and recreational space for children within two years if accepted, and permanent online publication of relevant safety rules by Buenos Aires city.
- The case stems from a 1996 incident at Palermo’s Paseo de la Infanta, where the metal sculpture “Elementos” (about 250–300 kg), corroded and insufficiently secured, collapsed and killed the six-year-old and injured two other children.
- The domestic prosecution never reached trial as years of recusals and appeals led to prescription and dismissals, and the parents—who pursued the case for decades—welcomed the regional court’s ruling.