On the 49th anniversary of Argentina’s military coup, tens of thousands marched for victims of state terrorism, uniting under the banner “Memory, Truth and Justice.” Human rights organizations, previously divided, demonstrated against President Javier Milei’s administration. A consensus document was read, and the government announced declassification of military files. Amidst a politically charged atmosphere, the march underscores the ongoing struggle for truth and justice in Argentina.
On the 49th anniversary of the coup d’état that initiated Argentina’s military dictatorship, tens of thousands participated in nationwide marches to honor victims of state terrorism. Demonstrators gathered for the “Memory, Truth and Justice” march, showcasing torches and portraits of the disappeared as they converged on the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. This year’s event marked a united stand among human rights organizations against President Javier Milei’s administration, a first since a split in 2006.
The final portion of the rally featured a consensus document presented by prominent human rights activists Estela de Carlotto, Taty Almeida, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. The march was prominently led by the Madres de Plaza de Mayo and the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, which advocate for the recognition and justice of those forcibly disappeared during the dictatorship. The rally maintained a strong political tone, reflecting discontent with the current government’s funding cuts to human rights organizations and efforts to challenge established narratives surrounding the dictatorship.
In a significant move on the day of the march, the government announced the declassification of intelligence files related to the Armed Forces’ actions during their reign from 1976-1983, with the documents to be archived in Argentina’s National Archives. Human rights organizations estimate that approximately 30,000 individuals vanished under the military regime’s authority, with the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo still seeking to reunite victims with their identities, having resolved 139 out of 350 to 400 suspected cases of stolen children.
The march featured poignant messages from attendees, indicating widespread opposition to Milei’s austerity measures, which have resulted in reductions within the National Human Rights Secretariat. Protesters chanted slogans condemning the president, further intensified by his recent comments questioning the number of disappearances. Despite earlier violence at a pensioners’ march, Monday’s demonstration remained peaceful.
Participants emphasized the importance of remembrance in preserving democracy. María Eva Gómez, a participant, expressed, “We live in a democracy that costs us a great deal of innocent blood. The only way to preserve it is by keeping that in mind.” Elías Pérez also highlighted the lingering impact of unresolved disappearances, reinforcing the significance of the massive turnout at the march.
The commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the coup d’état serves as a poignant reminder of Argentina’s troubled past and the continuous struggle for justice and recognition. The mobilization of citizens against the current government’s policies demonstrates a collective commitment to uphold the values of memory and truth, particularly in the face of attempts to revise historical narratives. As the nation reflects on those lost, the call to ensure that “Nunca más” remains a relevant and present commitment to human rights and dignity endures.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
