On Friday, the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo revealed a significant breakthrough in their quest for justice: the identification of the 138th grandchild taken during Argentina’s traumatic dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. This child, the offspring of left-wing activists Marta Enriqueta Pourtalé and Juan Carlos Villamayor, was located after extensive genetic testing, marking another emotional milestone in the relentless search for truth for families torn apart by state terror.
Abuelas President Estela de Carlotto shared this uplifting news at a Buenos Aires press conference. She recounted how Pourtalé, eight and a half months pregnant, and Villamayor were abducted from their home just days before the baby’s birth. The couple was then taken to ESMA, a notorious torture and extermination center where many political prisoners suffered and perished.
“It is likely that the 138th grandchild was born there. More than 30 births have been recorded at ESMA during that dark period,” Carlotto explained with a mixture of sorrow and fervor. This latest identification underscores the enduring legacy of state violence and the enduring hope that remains for countless families.
The identified grandchild, who has not been publicly named, is reportedly overjoyed, as he prepares to reconnect with family members. Support organizations like the Comisión Nacional por el Derecho a la Identidad (CONADI) and persistent efforts since 1999 ultimately led to this joyous reunion, highlighting the dedication of advocates devoted to uncovering these stories of loss.
In a poignant audio message, the grandchild’s brother Diego, who lives in Spain, expressed his gratitude. “You are very welcome. Thank you so much, Abuelas. You are the pride of the nation, a pride for all Argentines,” he declared, encapsulating the emotional weight of this moment and the hope that still echoes within the hearts of those affected by the past.
This announcement also marks the first since the new presidential administration, which emphasizes a stark departure from previous human rights narratives. Abuelas remain vigilant, with Carlotto noting her ongoing commitment to locating around 300 stolen grandchildren as she raised concerns over the government’s approach to human rights policies amid rising austerity measures.
The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo announced the identification of the 138th grandchild taken during Argentina’s dictatorship. This child, born to abducted activists, was found through genetic testing. The organization highlights the ongoing search for over 300 missing grandchildren, facing new political challenges. The brother of the identified grandchild expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the significance of these reunions amidst ongoing struggles for human rights.
The identification of the 138th grandchild marks another critical step in the ongoing battle against the legacy of state violence in Argentina. The emotional reunion not only offers hope to affected families but also underscores the need for continued vigilance regarding human rights policies, especially given recent political changes. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo remain dedicated to their mission, fostering the hope that truth and justice, though often elusive, will ultimately prevail in the hearts of their nation.
The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, a celebrated human rights organization in Argentina, has tirelessly sought to reunite families separated during the country’s brutal military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. Thousands of people, particularly political dissidents and their children, were abducted, leading to the disappearance of about 30,000 individuals. The Abuelas emerged as a prominent voice in advocating for the rights of these children, known as ‘nietos,’ who were illegally adopted. Identifying these lost children remains a poignant and ongoing mission, with each discovery marking significant emotional closure for families. Amidst political challenges, the organization fights to ensure their stories and legacies are not forgotten, emphasizing the importance of collective memory and human rights advocacy.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
