Argentine Judge Removed for Antisemitic Remarks Against Jewish Community

Argentina's Judicial Disciplinary Council has removed Federal Judge Alfredo Lopez following a series of antisemitic posts he made on social media platform X. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks a historic precedent as it is the first time a judge in Argentina has been dismissed for antisemitic conduct. The Argentine Forum Against Antisemitism (FACA) and other civil organizations filed complaints in March 2025 after Lopez referred to Jews with derogatory terms such as "rats" and "a race of vipers," and questioned the loyalty of Jewish citizens to Argentina.

The disciplinary process revealed that Lopez's antisemitic remarks were not isolated incidents but part of a recurring pattern. Despite Lopez's defense citing ideological persecution and freedom of expression, the council, composed of judges, lawyers, and legislators, ruled his behavior constituted "malfeasance" warranting dismissal. The council found his statements incited "symbolic violence" and aimed at the "subjugation and discrimination" of the Jewish community.

Lopez faced charges based on 15 posts, with prosecutors referencing about 40 tweets in total demonstrating hostility toward Jews, Zionism, and Israel. After the indictment, Lopez submitted his resignation, which the government rejected. Subsequently, the full Judicial Council, led by Supreme Court President Horacio Rosatti, initiated formal removal proceedings. FACA welcomed the ruling, stating, "Between hatred and coexistence, the nation's Judicial Council chose coexistence. Between intolerance and peace, it chose peace."