Esma

[HenryNisental]

Sorry Frenchy, my mistake. Anyway, I have a copy of the book published by the CONADEP, WHICH BY THE WAY WAS NOT AN OFFICIAL ONE.
There, are listed a little over 8,000 "victims". The goverment of Mr Menem, in order to heal the wounds of this tragic period, offered an indemnization of 220,000 U$S to the relatives of each victim, regardless whether he/she was really dead or not. There were not 30,000 "takers".
In that list they are included present day senators (Mr Bonasso and Mr Kunkel), and a judge of the Supreme Court Mrs Argibay, etc (and they never returned the funds, by the way).
I also have an important book printed during the military goverment, showing pictures of the victims of terrorist attacks, bombings, etc. The book is out of print now, and is unique. I do not know exactly when the "30,000 victims" lie started, I was living overseas by then.

 

[Nounou]

A quick question, do the same contact details as previously posted on this thread (2011) for contacting ESMA still apply, or have they been updated? I will be in B.A in March and would like to arrange a vist prior to my arrival.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Cheers

 

[germanb68]

I think this is a point to re-read: National Security Doctrine
http://es.wikipedia....uridad_nacional
In an introductory book it is explains
http://www.bnm.me.go...os/EL001595.pdf
Think dictatorship:
State terrorism in Argentina
Chapter 3 14 Page 105

 

[Iznogud]

I say rather think two VERY small groups of violent, ruthless individuals on both sides with sinister ideals and the will to impose them our society, regardless, and the whole argentine population caught in the crossfire. Rest is utter bullshit.

 

[Jose Negro]

If you are up for it, there are some interesting movies on the topic, Chronicle of an Escape, Cautiva, and The Official Story. All well done, I thought, though others here may have comments on their accuracy.

I say 'up for it' because they are graphic and emotional. All are on Netflix.

Jose

 

[Iznogud]

While not specifically about Argentina, "Etat de Siege" and "Bananas" also reflect the mood in those days.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070959/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066808/

 

[EricLovesBA]

This thread has certainly inspired some reading and study about the Dirty War and the lost children, etc. Many thanks to the OP! I ran across a couple related videos which touch on the psychological side for those living in the aftermath. Whenever I think about this subject it's always difficult to fathom how it's such recent history. It doesn't really *show* either, except in the very pervasive sense of the government being corrupt. But Argentina doesn't seem so shell-shocked as I would imagine. They're very resilient.

 

[Jose Negro]

Amazing videos, thanks for posting. The history of Argentina and it's people is part of my fascination with this country, and my desire to be in Argentina for a while.

 

[germanb68]

A new movie about this topic. Worth watching

http://www.youtube.com/Infanciaclandestina

https://www.facebook.com/Infancia.clandestina

 

[PhilinBSAS]

I havn't been to ESMA yet but rereading this long thread I do feel I should brace myself and go bearing in mind:

1. controversial amoungst my Argentine friends and 2, wounds are still unhealed and 3 the historic "memory" is also a current political statement

I found some information and details in this Argentine indy article: March 2012

http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/analysis/video-esma-argentinas-human-rights-museum/

With a video of what to expect: http://youtu.be/iQVUJs1A3qY

ESMA website and contacts details here in castellano - prior booking required by phone or email and a guide is provided - no indication whether bilingual available

http://www.espaciomemoria.ar/

I wish Spain could face up to her past in some better way - but then I guess there isnt a nation anywhere that doesnt have it's own coping mechanisms, grim "secrets" and shame

"What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” ― Gabriel Garcí­a Márquez