Taty Almeida, Fundamental Figure of Madres de Plaza de Mayo in the Fight for Justice, Dies at 95

Taty Almeida, a foundational figure in Argentina's Madres de Plaza de Mayo movement, passed away on Sunday at the age of 95. Her death leaves behind a profound legacy of unwavering commitment to justice and truth, stemming from the disappearance of her son, Alejandro, shortly before Argentina's last military dictatorship (1976-1983).

Almeida's passing was announced through separate statements from her family and the Asociación Madres de Plaza de Mayo Línea Fundadora, an organization she presided over. Both expressed deep sorrow and highlighted her relentless dedication to human rights and the causes of marginalized communities. Born Lidia Stella Mercedes Miy Uranga in 1930, she became a prominent member of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo in 1979, driven by the search for her son Alejandro, who was abducted in 1975 by the paramilitary group Triple A. His remains have never been found.

Almeida often recounted how her son's disappearance fundamentally altered her life and political convictions. She described feeling "born again" by Alejandro's experience, a sentiment that propelled her from a life of privilege into active human rights advocacy. Initially, she feared being perceived as a spy by other Madres due to her family's military background, but her shared grief and determination forged strong bonds.

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I feel born again by Alejandro. He brought me down from the bubble in which I had lived my whole life.

From 1979, Almeida joined other prominent mothers like Hebe de Bonafini and Estela de Carlotto in their silent Thursday protests in front of the Casa Rosada, Argentina's presidential palace. These demonstrations became a powerful symbol of resistance, used to denounce the crimes committed against their children to international bodies like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Though the number of protesters has dwindled as the mothers pass away, these vigils continue every Thursday.

Following the return of democracy in 1983, the original group of Madres fractured into three distinct associations: the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, the Madres de Plaza de Mayo Línea Fundadora (co-founded by Almeida), and the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo. These divisions arose from ideological differences regarding strategies and internal decision-making concerning successive democratic governments. Despite these splits, all factions remained united by their core mission: the pursuit of "memory, truth, and justice."

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From then on, every Thursday, we met in front of the Casa Rosada, in a silent protest with white scarves on our heads.