Argentina Commemorates Victims of Military Dictatorship with Nationwide March

On the 49th anniversary of Argentina’s military coup, tens of thousands marched to remember victims of state terrorism. Under the theme “Memory, Truth and Justice,” a coalition of organizations united against President Javier Milei’s government, which has attempted to defund human rights bodies and alter historical narratives. The march highlighted ongoing struggles for justice, particularly by the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo in locating missing children.

On the 49th anniversary of Argentina’s 1976 military coup, tens of thousands took to the streets to honor the victims of state terrorism. The massive march, held under the theme “Memory, Truth and Justice,” united diverse groups, including human rights organizations and political parties, gathering at the Plaza de Mayo before the government palace. Demonstrators carried torches and portraits of missing individuals, denouncing the current administration’s actions that have undermined human rights initiatives.

For the first time in nearly twenty years, Argentina’s leading human rights organizations marched together, united against President Javier Milei’s government. The rally concluded with a consensus document presented by established activists Estela de Carlotto, Taty Almeida, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. The presence of groups like the Madres de Plaza de Mayo and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo underscored the continuous struggle against the impunity faced by the dictatorship’s victims.

The rally conveyed a strong political message amid concerns over President Milei’s proposed defunding of human rights agencies and attempts to revise the historical narrative of the dictatorship. Critics assert that Milei and Vice-President Victoria Villarruel are attempting to whitewash the atrocities committed during that era, as illustrated by the governmental announcement to declassify intelligence files relating to the military’s activities during the dictatorship.

Human rights organizations estimate that around 30,000 individuals disappeared during the junta’s rule. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo continue their pursuit of justice for children allegedly stolen from their detained mothers by the state. During the march, Carlotto shared that they have resolved 139 cases but emphasized the need for society to assist in locating the remaining victims.

Demonstrators chanted against President Milei, criticizing his austerity measures that have resulted in job cuts at human rights institutions. Despite previous violent protests, the procession was peaceful, with participants expressing determination to maintain the memory of their painful history. Attendees like María Eva Gómez highlighted the importance of remembrance as a means to uphold democracy, while Elías Pérez reflected on the ongoing search for the missing, underscoring that the mass turnout was a response to the unresolved tragedies of the past.

The significant turnout for the remembrance march in Argentina exemplified the strong collective commitment to commemorate the injustices experienced during the military dictatorship. As political tensions rise under President Milei’s leadership, the steadfast resolve of human rights groups serves as a reminder of the importance of memory and justice in preserving democracy. The ongoing search for missing victims of the dictatorship underscores the continuing efforts to address historical grievances and rectify the injustices of the past.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar