2011-07. Outrage over the Murder of Protest Singer Facundo Cabral
July 11th, 2011.
Guatemalans from all sectors of society expressed their outrage over the murder of Argentinean protest singer Facundo Cabral. Mr. Cabral was gunned down in Guatemala City on Saturday, July 9th, after performing two concerts in the country. The primary hypothesis claims the assassination was in fact directed at Henry Fariña, Nicaraguan promoter who brought Cabral to Central America. (1)Nevertheless, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and presidential candidate Rigoberta Menchú assures Cabral “was murdered because of his political ideas and powerful music.” (2)Following are images from the various vigils, protest marches and events that took place spontaneously this weekend in Guatemala City as a response to the shocking murder of the protest singer who was deemed “World Peace Messenger” in 1996 by UNESCO.
Night vigil at the central square.
“Please forgive us Argentina, please forgive us World.”
Mourners gather outside the funerary home where the body of Facundo Cabral was kept. The protest singer spent many years exiled in Mexico during Argentina’s last military dictatorship (1976-1983).
Writing on sidewalk at the scene of the crime reads: “Don’t cry for me Argentina, my soul is with you…”
“Facundo Lives!”
Protesters march from the scene of the crime to the central square. Sign reads: “Cabral: Thanks for your exemplary life. Murderers: You will never kill the ideas spawned by the good children of the world.”
Efraín Vázquez Barrios, 64, is originally from San Marcos and makes a living off selling hats and bandanas during protests, marches of all kind, and school parties and graduations. Mr. Vázquez Barrios claims to be a direct descendant to Justo Rufino Barrios, President of Guatemala from 1873 to 1885.
“Enough Guate! Get involved in the change!”
Events at the central square.
“I want to grow up in a Guatemala where I can be happy.”
Versión en español aquí.
1 http://www.prensalibre.com/noticias/justicia/violencia-henry-farrina-facundo_cabral_0_514748623.html
2 http://www.elmundo.es/america/2011/07/09/noticias/1310232766.html