Under President Perón's rule in Argentina, dissent was met with severe repercussions. Opposition leader Ricardo Balbín found himself imprisoned for allegedly disrespecting the president while campaigning. This act highlighted the oppressive political climate where criticism of Perón was not tolerated, reflecting a significant erosion of democratic norms.

Balbín sought justice by appealing to the supreme court, yet his efforts were futile due to Perón's influence over the judiciary. The court had been staffed with loyalists, effectively eliminating any hope for a fair trial. This situation illustrates how political power can undermine legal institutions, leading to a decline in democratic integrity.