In an emotional act of commemoration and vindication, thousands of people gathered in Plazuela San Francisco, at the intersection of Alameda with Londres, summoned by the “Collective Against Oblivion.” The reason: the International Day of the Disappeared Detainee. This march, which sought to keep alive the memory of those who were taken away by state violence in dark times, would culminate its journey in an iconic destination: the La Moneda Palace, the political epicenter of Chile.
The heart of the demonstration was represented by a main canvas that proclaimed: “50 years of impunity / For them the privileges / For the people repression”. This powerful slogan encapsulated the widespread feeling that, over time, impunity had been the sad legacy for the perpetrators of crimes and abuses, while the people suffered repression and the loss of their loved ones.
At 1:00 p.m., the march began to move, advancing along the Alameda in the direction of La Moneda. The canvas headed the column, flanked by a banner with the image of Commander Ramiro and the phrase “Ramiro, I want you free.” This gesture recalled a face, a story and a yearning for justice.
The march continued with a canvas that proclaimed: “Not a minute of silence, a lifetime of struggle”, underlining the determination not to give in to oblivion and to continue the tireless struggle for truth and justice.
The chorus of voices resounded in the streets, crying out for the disappeared detainees: “They were taken into custody, We never saw them again… the state is responsible, Tell us where they are.” These words, heavy with accumulated pain and anger, echoed decades of searching and resistance.
Along the route, the Alameda was dressed with banners that adorned gardens and bars, giving a touch of dignity and memory to the public thoroughfare. The faces of the disappeared became part of the city, reminding everyone that history and the fight for justice cannot be erased.
However, the road to La Moneda was not without obstacles. At one point, the militarized police blocked the way with “guanacos” and “zorrillos”, equipment that disperses crowds with jets of water and gas. But, as a show of collective strength and resistance, the demonstration overcame this obstacle, even facing a repressive police crackdown, with protesters rescuing their comrades from the clutches of detention.
Finally, the march reached its destination, the iconic Palacio de La Moneda. The culminating act included speeches, poetry, songs and dances. One question kept ringing loudly: “Where are they?” The memory was unshakable, and the names of the missing came to life once more.
In the midst of the slogans for the disappeared, voices were also raised in solidarity with contemporary political prisoners: those detained in the context of the social revolt, the subversives and the Mapuche. “Liberate, Liberate, To the prisoners for fighting” became a chorus connecting past and present struggles.
In this journey through history and struggle, the figure of Salvador Allende remained present, recalling the commitment and sacrifice for a fairer Chile. But there was also talk of current injustice, such as the case of José Huenante, a Huilliche teenager who disappeared under a democratic regime.
Again, slogans were chanted for the disappeared, and Negro Pablo was heard singing about Marisol Vera (executed in 1985, by the military) and Macarena Valdés (murdered with impunity, under this “democracy”).
Women were also protagonists of the demonstration, dancing the cueca alone in front of La Moneda and honoring the disappeared compañeras. The palace lawns witnessed a moving tribute to the faces and names that have been lost, but will never be forgotten.
On this day of memory and action, the march achieved its goal: it arrived at La Moneda, bringing with it the urgency and need for truth, justice, and comprehensive reparation. As voices came together to shout “Where are they?” the message was clear: they will not rest until the truth is revealed and justice is served for those who were disappeared, reminding us that memory is the light that illuminates the path. towards a more just and humane future.
