BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A court has confirmed murder charges against an off-duty police officer who was praised by Argentina's president after he fatally shot a man who robbed a U.S. tourist.

On Friday, the court turned down an appeal by police officer Luis Chocobar. He shot 18-year-old Pablo Kukoc in the back on Dec. 8 after he stabbed American citizen Joe Wolek in Buenos Aires.

A photo of President Mauricio Macri shaking hands with Chocobar has sparked a debate over the limits of a government crackdown on crime.

The government says the meeting's goal was to highlight the hard work of the nation's security forces.

But human rights advocates say that Macri's support sets a dangerous precedent in a country haunted by memories of human rights abuses by authorities during the 1976-1983 dictatorship.