On the 49th anniversary of Argentina’s 1976 coup, tens of thousands marched to honor victims of state terrorism. Demonstrators, organized under “Memory, Truth and Justice,” protested against President Javier Milei’s government and its treatment of human rights issues. The event highlighted the ongoing search for justice by organizations like the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo and emphasized the importance of remembrance amid political tension.
On the 49th anniversary of the coup d’état that initiated Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983, tens of thousands assembled nationwide to remember victims of state terrorism. Demonstrators held torches and photographs of missing loved ones, unified under the theme “Memory, Truth and Justice” during the annual remembrance march held on the National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice, a public holiday.
In Buenos Aires, diverse groups including political parties, human rights organizations, labour unions, and student movements gathered to march to the Plaza de Mayo, in front of the government house. For the first time in nearly twenty years, these key human rights organizations united against President Javier Milei’s government, which has faced criticism for its actions concerning human rights and historical narratives.
During the rally, veteran human rights activists such as Estela de Carlotto, Taty Almeida, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel read a consensus statement, marking a significant moment in their collective struggle. The march was spearheaded by the Madres de Plaza de Mayo and the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, both organizations that persistently seek justice for the disappeared.
There was a strong political undertone to the rally, mirroring previous years. The Milei administration has sought to undermine human rights organizations, while also attempting to redefine the country’s understanding of the dictatorship’s brutal actions. The government had announced the declassification of military intelligence files just hours before the march, a move viewed by many as inadequate and opportunistic.
Human rights advocates estimate that around 30,000 people vanished during the military junta’s reign. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo continue their quest for justice regarding children allegedly taken from mothers held by the state. Estela de Carlotto remarked, “In this long fight, we have resolved 139 cases… it is never too late; the state must guarantee the restitution of our granddaughters and grandsons.
Many participants expressed their anger toward President Milei’s austerity measures that negatively affected historical memory sites and human rights initiatives. Chants of “Milei, garbage, you are the dictatorship” echoed among demonstrators holding Argentine flags and scarves featuring the slogan “Nunca más” (“Never again”).
Despite recent violent encounters between protesters and police, the march remained peaceful. Attendees emphasized the importance of memory and the ongoing fight for justice, with voices like María Eva Gómez stating that preserving democracy requires remembrance of the past. Elías Pérez, a retired doctor, also highlighted the enduring concerns of missing persons, affirming the significance of the demonstration.
The march commemorating the 49th anniversary of Argentina’s military coup underscores the relentless pursuit of memory, truth, and justice by human rights organizations and the Argentine populace. United under a singular cause, demonstrators actively opposed governmental actions perceived as attempts to downplay the atrocities of the past. The event serves as a solemn reminder of both the atrocities committed and the ongoing struggle for accountability and recognition of victims.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
