2007-06. The March for Remembrance Halts the Military Parade
Guatemala City, Guatemala
June 30, 2007.
Issue: Impunity / Post-War / Historic Memory
The March for Remembrance, organized by H.I.J.O.S. (Sons and Daughters for Identity and Justice Against Forgetfulness and Silence), brought a number of activists and families of victims from the civil war together with the goal of halting the parade which commemorated the 136th annual Military Day.
The demonstration congregated in Jocotenango Park, formerly Morazan Park, in Zone 2 of the Capital City. Those drawn on the sheets represent only a small fraction of the more than 200,000 victims killed during the 36 year internal conflict.
A member of H.I.J.O.S. waves a flag depicting the image of one of the many victims killed by Guatemalan security forces during the civil war. In many cases, the person represented on the flag is the flag-waver’s own father or mother.
The demonstrators carried on peacefully towards the Central Park along 6th Avenue southbound chanting their many slogans:Today is not for celebrating
It’s for struggling and protesting
Because forgiving is not enough
Those who carried on genocide must pay
Special anti-riot forces, however, were set up just south of 4th street, zone 1.
Wendy Mendez, founding member of H.I.J.O.S., declared: “This day should not be celebrated but instead be declared Genocide Day! We demand justice for the thousands who were forcibly disappeared!”
A demonstrator approached the anti-riot police and asked: “Who do you work for? Whose interests do you protect? Assassins, assassins!” Nevertheless, the march peacefully turned west on 4th street and continued its path south along 4th avenue.
Tear gas canister not used during this particular confrontation.
Entrance to the Central Park via 6th street was also blocked by anti-riot units.
Entrance to the Central Park via 8th street, however, remained weakly guarded by sparse anti-riot units in the intersection with 5th avenue. A number of demonstrators charged the intersection and collided with the security forces, creating a racketing sound of clashing sticks, helmets and shields which fused with human growls and drum beats.
Security forces launched tear gas canisters at the demonstrators forcing their retreat to the intersection of 8th street and 4th avenue.
Because the color of blood is never forgottenThose massacred will be avenged!
And how will they be avenged?
With the people united as one!
A demonstrator, while still recovering from the effects of tear gas, adjusts a homemade gas mask in case of a second skirmish.
Anti-riot police officer looks on while the Central Park and Cathedral are located behind him.
Corner of 8th street and 5th avenue, zone 1.
Meanwhile, the military parade continued just a block behind the anti-riot forces.
A small group of activists and family members of war victims gained access to the parade and managed the objective of halting the military parade by forming a small human chain along 6th avenue.
Who kidnaps, tortures and assassinates?The Genocidal Army.
Children of the motherland, Children of the Quetzal,
Which son of a bitch took my father?
Suddenly, a lone individual appeared and instigated violence by kicking and punching both men and women activists halting the military parade as well as journalists present.
Other such men emerged holding sticks, pepper spray, pliers and belts which were used against the demonstrators.
While the mob chased and beat the demonstrators down 6th avenue, Police officers nonchalantly watched the events unfold without intervening.
According to a demonstrator, it is believed this posse of aggressors, which acted with high levels of organization, is comprised of civil clothed federal agents, hence the lax reaction by uniformed officers. The violence unleashed left several demonstrators and journalists injured, though none seriously hurt.
After the confrontations, members of the March for Remembrance congregated near the intersection of 5th street and 5th avenue and continued their chants:Why did we come? Justice!
What do we demand? Justice!
Life is a struggle, hence you always must fight!
The parade will not go through, will not go through, will not go through!
On this day, the fearless and courageous efforts displayed by the families of those forcibly disappeared and massacred did achieve the main objective: even if just for a few minutes, the military parade indeed did not go through undisturbed.
Versión en español aquí.
In Japanese: 日本語で。
I’m going to borrow you a picture?, I’m talking about the March in my blog,
thanks.
Great pics by the way.
james, very compelling images, quotes and reporting. thank you for your coverage.
nos vemos,
debbie
wow these are great images tanks.