Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo

The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo was a group of mothers whose children “disappeared” during the Argentine military dictatorship from 1976-1983.  They demonstrated weekly in from of the Plaza de Mayo, as well as frequent protests at the Presidential palace, against the abduction of their children with intention of finding them.  Using the images of their children, the group created a publicized movement with the intention of gaining international attention to pressure the Argentine dictatorship. The initial report, estimated by the government after the military regime, reported that a total of 11,000 children were abducted. However, due to loss of records, the mothers believed this number was closer to 30,000.

During the mid-late 1980s, court cases were held against perpetrators and over custody of the children born in concentration camps who were put for legal adoption.

Over time the association shifted towards more radical views. After the 9/11 attacks, the head of their faction praised and defended the attackers. In January 2006 they held their final march, stating that the “enemy isn’t in the government house anymore,” acknowledging the credibility of the current government. They did, however, state that they would keep holding their weekly marches in support of other social causes.

Written by Molly Weilbacher and Nathan Watson