Rescuing the memory of Latin America

[Judi Lynn]

Rescuing the memory of Latin America

The Rios Montt trial helps rescue memories to construct alternative histories of Latin America.

Last Modified: 07 Jun 2013 20:26
Manuela Picq

Manuela Picq has just completed her time as a visiting professor and research fellow at Amherst College.

It took 10 days for Guatemala's Constitutional Court to annul the historic conviction of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt. In Brazil, despite testimonials that brought the room to tears, the government insists the Truth Commission will not lead to judicial prosecutions. In both cases, justice remains uncertain, but the rescuing of memory has been unleashed.

The Rios Montt trial is not only about bringing justice to victims, just like Brazil's Truth Commission is not only about unveiling the truth of human rights violations. It is also about rescuing memories to construct alternative histories of Latin America.

Unlike the verdict, this rewriting of history cannot be annulled. It is uncertain whether Rios Montt will end his life behind bars, but it is now clear to all that he is the perpetrator of a brutal genocide.

The torturers under Brazil's military regime may not be prosecuted, but society knows who they are and what horrendous crimes they committed. As the violence of military dictatorships is officially spoken and recognised, it ineluctably changes the way Latin America tells its history.

More:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/06/20136611144173414.html

[Socialistlemur]

1. Most dictatorships torture

Show me a country where there's dictatorship and the government doesn't change and I'll show you torture and human rights abuses. Or to put it another way, when Homo sapiens thinks it can get away with it it does really bad things to others.

[ocpagu]

2. Right on.

Impunity is always depressing and frustrating and Brazilians and Guatemalans should fight to overcome the structures that were set to avoid bringing justice to the families and friends of those those who tortured and killed. But at least hateful myths such as of the Brazilian "ditabranda", can no longer be accepted at face value. First, but important steps, both here and in Guatemala.

Very nice article, Judi. Thanks a lot for sharing it.