Argentina Marks 50 Years Since the Coup, Mothers of Plaza de Mayo Continue Fight for Justice
March 24th marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Argentine coup that initiated a brutal military dictatorship. The regime, backed by the United States, unleashed a period of state terror, resulting in the disappearance of approximately 30,000 people over seven years. Thousands more were detained, tortured, and murdered.
Despite the repression, resistance movements emerged, most notably the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. For five decades, these women have marched, demanding justice and information about their children and grandchildren.
In Argentina, March 24th is recognized as the National Day for Memory, Truth, and Justice, honoring the victims of the military regime. Large marches and demonstrations are held annually in Buenos Aires, and this year’s events are expected to be particularly significant.
The Origins of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo
The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo began as a small group of 14 women who gathered on April 30, 1977, in front of the Casa Rosada, Argentina’s presidential palace . They sought answers about the fate of their children, who had been kidnapped and disappeared by the military government. Initially, they faced dismissal from authorities.
Azucena Villaflor, one of the founding mothers, stated, “By ourselves, we will achieve nothing,” recognizing the need for collective action . They began meeting weekly on Thursdays, coinciding with greater foot traffic in the Plaza de Mayo, to increase visibility and garner public support.
The mothers famously began wearing white pañuelos (handkerchiefs) on their heads – the diapers of their missing children – as a symbol of recognition and a poignant reminder of their loss . However, their activism as well made them targets; three of the founding mothers – Azucena Villaflor, Esther Ballestrino, and María Ponce de Bianco – were themselves kidnapped and disappeared in December 1977 .
The Dirty War and State Terrorism
The period between 1976 and 1983, known as the “Dirty War,” was characterized by systematic state terrorism. The military junta targeted political opponents, students, journalists, and anyone suspected of subversive activities . The methods employed included kidnapping, torture, and extrajudicial killings. An estimated 30,000 people were “disappeared,” their fates remaining unknown.
The regime also engaged in the theft of babies born to imprisoned mothers, who were then raised by military families . The Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo have located approximately 140 of these stolen children and reunited them with their biological families.
Operation Condor, a campaign of political repression and state terror involving right-wing dictatorships and intelligence services in South America, played a role in the widespread abuses .
Continuing Resistance and the Fight for Justice
Despite the dangers, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo persevered, becoming a symbol of resistance not only in Argentina but throughout Latin America . Their weekly marches continue to this day, serving as a constant reminder of the past and a demand for accountability.
Recent events demonstrate the ongoing importance of their struggle. Under the current government of Javier Milei, there are concerns about a rollback of policies aimed at addressing the crimes of the past. Milei’s administration has been accused of defunding memorial sites and supporting former military officers accused of human rights abuses .
Other forms of resistance continue as well. In 2024, Argentine courts sentenced ten former police and army officers to life in prison for their roles in human rights abuses during the dictatorship, including the 1976 kidnapping of students during the “Night of the Pencils” .
Looking Ahead
As Argentina commemorates the 50th anniversary of the coup, the struggle for truth, justice, and memory remains vital. The Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, along with other human rights organizations, continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that the crimes of the past are not forgotten and that those responsible are held accountable. Their enduring resistance serves as an inspiration for future generations fighting for a more just and equitable world.