On March 24, 2025, thousands of people gathered in Buenos Aires to observe the 49th anniversary of the military coup that took place in Argentina in 1976, an event that ushered in a period of severe repression and a dictatorship that lasted for seven years.
Commemoration and demands for justice
The demonstration, organized by various human rights organizations, including the Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, focused on honoring the victims of this dark chapter in Argentine history. These groups took to the streets to demand justice for the estimated 30,000 individuals who were killed or forcibly disappeared during the dictatorship. While official estimates cite around 12,000 victims, activists contend that the actual number is significantly higher.
Political context and government response
Amidst the commemorations, the political climate remains charged. President Javier Milei’s administration has faced criticism for its approach to the junta’s crimes, having downplayed their severity. However, in a move that stirred some debate, the government has mandated the declassification of certain military documents, arguing that previous administrations manipulated these records for political gain.
“The truth must be acknowledged and justice served for all the victims of our past,” a spokesperson for the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo emphasized during the event.
The anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and accountability in Argentina, as citizens continue to seek resolution for the atrocities committed during the military regime.