Clandestine Center of Detention

On Friday they took us to see what is called the Clandestine Center of Detention, here in Buenos Aires. I will try to explain as much as I can, but it is pretty difficult. I will also try not to simply recite one horrific event after the next, while also portraying exactly how brutal the dictatorship was to the citizens that opposed the reign of terror.

Okay, so when the Army dictatorship took over the government in 1976 they made it a mission, as all dictatorships do, to destroy any opposition. In their reign from 1976 to 1983 the Argentinean dictatorship made about 20,000 people disappear, about 400 of which were children. They say disappear because no bodies were ever found. People still do not know what happened to these people, though most likely they were killed. The Clandestine Center of Detention has been kept in place as a reminder of the dictatorship and what happened when people tried to stand up against their dirty government.

At this specific center, at least 5,000 citizens (or "packages" as the soldiers called it in their cover-up slang) were taken to perform slave labor, be brutally tortured, embarrassed and dehumanized and then eventually get "transfered" (disappear). 9 babies were born in this specific camp, and they were then taken from their imprisoned mothers and given to the families of soldiers that wanted them.

Another shocking element about the camp, besides that it is on Avenida del Libertador (the avenue of the liberator), is that it is across the street from everyday life (schools, apartments, doctors offices, etc.). The people of Buenos Aires were supposed to fear their government, just one among many terror and torture elements the Argentineans learned from the French. Everyone in town knew the torture that was going on behind those gates, at times they could even hear screaming, shackles, or the loud cover-up music, but they were too afraid to do anything about it. Instilling the fear in everyday citizens was the governments goal. They did not want rebels, they did not want "packages" that they needed to "transfer."

Got the picture?

Any questions?

It was horrifying and interesting all at the same time. After all, this was only 30-some years ago! Buenos aires has changed so much since then. Though they are still victims of a corrupt government- for example, the money system here. It is nearly impossible to get coins, yet the buses only take coins. Jesse kissed me the other day when I gave her a coin. Also, nobody will break a 100 peso bill, but banks mostly give out 100's. However, the citizens of BA have learned to overcome the struggles of an oppressive government and have learned how to make a lot out of very little.