Argentina Recovered Grandson 138, Stolen by the Dictatorship in 1976
The news comes in a complicated context for human rights in Argentina, marked by recent layoffs at the Human Rights Secretariat and criticism from the new government of Javier Milei towards policies of memory and justice. Dec 27, 2024 Photo: Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo
December 27, 2024 Hour: 9:13 pm
The recovered grandson is the son of Marta Enriqueta Pourtalé and Juan Carlos Villamayor, who were kidnapped in December 1976 and disappeared in the context of state terrorism that ravaged Argentina.
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The Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo confirmed this Friday the recovery of grandson 138, an emblematic case that adds to the long list of identity restitutions of children who disappeared during the last Argentine dictatorship.
This finding is the result of almost five decades of tireless search and struggle by the group, which has kept alive the memory and demand for justice in the country.
The recovered grandson is the son of Marta Enriqueta Pourtalé and Juan Carlos Villamayor, who were kidnapped in December 1976 and disappeared in the context of state terrorism that ravaged Argentina.
According to the investigation, both were last seen in the clandestine detention center that operated at the Naval Mechanics School (ESMA), an emblematic site of repression. It is presumed that this was where Marta gave birth to her son, who has now regained his identity.
During the press conference, Estela de Carlotto, president of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, firmly expressed that “the truth always comes out,” emphasizing the symbolic and emotional significance of this restitution for the affected families.
The news comes in a complicated context for human rights in Argentina, marked by recent layoffs at the Human Rights Secretariat and criticism from the new government of Javier Milei towards policies of memory and justice.
The group also emphasized that this new restitution serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of state terrorism on Argentine society. In their statement, the Grandmothers stressed the importance of keeping human rights policies alive to prevent the recurrence of past crimes.
While recognizing the fundamental role played by agencies such as the National Commission for the Right to Identity (CoNaDI) and the National Genetic Data Bank (BNDG) in resolving this case, the Grandmothers expressed concern about the brutal adjustments taking place in the Human Rights Secretariat, which could affect its ability to continue supporting victims and their families.
Marta Pourtalé, mother of the recovered grandson, was born on May 5, 1946, in Azul, province of Buenos Aires, while Juan Carlos Villamayor was born on April 28, 1945, in Buenos Aires. His story serves as a reminder of the painful legacy of the Argentine dictatorship and the resilience of those who continue to fight for truth and justice.
The recovery of grandson 138 represents not only a victory for the Grandmothers but also a ray of hope in a social landscape facing significant challenges.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Página 12- @abuelasdifusion
