Thousands of Argentines gathered in various cities throughout the country on Sunday to commemorate the anniversary of the 1976 military coup that lasted eight years and resulted in widespread repression, torture, and disappearances. Local and human rights groups congregated in Buenos Aires, holding banners, singing songs, and displaying photos of those who were murdered and went missing during the dictatorship.
Human rights organizations estimate that around 30,000 individuals were kidnapped, tortured, and killed during the military rule between 1976 and 1983. The majority of these victims were opposition members, union workers, or students, although there were cases of infants being abducted and either sold illegally or adopted under false pretenses.
“There are still families in Argentina today who are searching for their (disappeared) children, so it is important to remember this date every March 24 to avoid repeating past mistakes,” said Rolando Gutierrez, a 45-year-old teacher who participated in the march in Buenos Aires.
This year’s anniversary demonstration was the first to take place under the presidency of ultraliberal leader Javier Milei, who took office on Dec 10. Critics of Milei accuse him of minimizing the atrocities committed during the country’s brutal dictatorship. His vice president, Victoria Villarruel, has even defended military officials convicted of crimes against humanity.
Earlier on Sunday, the Milei government released a video focusing on the victims of attacks carried out by a communist group before the dictatorship, casting doubt on the widely cited figure of 30,000 individuals who disappeared. “For a comprehensive understanding of history and to achieve truth and justice,” Milei commented when sharing the video.
Estela de Carlotto, the leader of the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, a human rights organization dedicated to locating children who were stolen or adopted during the dictatorship, is calling for legislation to penalize those who deny the crimes of the dictatorship. She also expressed hope that Milei would reconsider his stance on this issue or that he would step down swiftly.
(Reporting by Horacio Soria and Jorge Otaola; Writing by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Sandra Maler)
