On the 49th anniversary of Argentina’s coup d’état, tens of thousands marched to honor victims of state terrorism. The demonstration, marked by the slogan “Memory, Truth and Justice,” opposed President Milei’s government and sought accountability for the dictatorship’s human rights abuses. Key figures from human rights organizations addressed the crowd, emphasizing the ongoing search for the disappeared.
On the 49th anniversary of the Argentine coup d’état, tens of thousands gathered nationwide to commemorate victims of state terrorism and advocate for human rights. Under the mantra of “Memory, Truth and Justice,” demonstrators held torches and photos of missing loved ones during the annual remembrance march, which culminated at the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, a significant site for protests.
Recognizing the National Day of Memory for Truth and Justice, various groups, including human rights organizations, political parties, labor unions, and student bodies united against President Javier Milei’s administration. This marked the first joint march by Argentina’s leading human rights organizations in nearly twenty years after a 2006 split.
Key moments in the rally involved a consensus statement delivered by notable figures in human rights advocacy, including Estela de Carlotto, Taty Almeida, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel. Leading factions included the Madres de Plaza de Mayo and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, both of which focus on recognizing and advocating for those who were disappeared during the dictatorship.
The political tone of the march was intensified by the concerns regarding President Milei’s government. Since taking office, Milei has decreased funding for human rights organizations and has made statements contradicting widely accepted views about the dictatorship’s brutality, raising significant tensions with marchers who firmly oppose his stance.
In a surprising move, the government announced plans to declassify intelligence files related to the military’s actions during the 1976-1983 dictatorship. This decision aims to place the documents into Argentina’s National Archives, as stated by Milei’s spokesperson, amidst claims of approximately 30,000 enforced disappearances under the regime.
The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo continue their mission to locate children allegedly stolen from detainees. Carlotto revealed that 139 out of an estimated 350-400 cases have been resolved, stating, “We need all of society to find them all; it’s never too late… the state must guarantee the restitution of our granddaughters and grandsons.”
The dictatorship’s brutality is particularly noted in the context of Argentina’s history, with Milei attracting criticism for questioning the number of enforced disappearances. Signs criticizing Milei’s leadership were predominant among protesters, who chanted against austerity measures affecting the National Human Rights Secretariat and memorial sites for past atrocities.
Despite recent tensions and violent confrontations with police at prior demonstrations, the march proceeded without incident. March attendees emphasized the importance of remembrance, as articulated by María Eva Gómez, who underscored the significance of acknowledging the past to preserve democracy. Elías Pérez also highlighted the enduring search for the missing as a compelling reason for the gathering’s magnitude.
The massive march in Argentina honored the victims of state terrorism on the 49th anniversary of the military coup, uniting diverse groups under the shared goal of truth and justice. The event’s political significance intensified due to President Milei’s controversial actions regarding human rights and the dictatorship’s history. The continued search for the disappeared remains a critical pursuit for organizations like the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, as the rally demonstrated a persistent commitment to preserving collective memory and advocating for accountability.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
