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Pedro Matta, well-known human rights advocate and
director
of the Trinity Program in Santiago, Chile, will lecture on “The
Mothers of the ‘Disappeared’ in Chile: A Powerful Catalyst in the
Search for Truth and Justice.” |
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Background: |
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"The Mothers of
the Disappeared" is a very influential women's social movement in
Chile and Argentina whose members protest the disappearance of
their sons during the dictatorships. It is a very active and world
renowned human rights movement powered by women. Pedro's talk is
important in several ways: it will educate people about the
ongoing political and social fallout from the Pinochet regime (in
Chile), the importance of grassroots social movements, and also
help to empower women students at Trinity.
Matta was a former student leader at the Law
School of the University of Chile, Santiago, and a member of the
Socialist Youth during the coup d’état of September 11,
1973 that overthrew the democratically elected government of
President Salvador Allende. Matta was arrested by the secret
police, subjected to torture in two different torture centers, and
imprisoned for over 13 months. He has never been brought before a
court of law or charged with any crime, or even a misdemeanor.
Matta is one of the survivors of the notorious torture center
known as Villa Grimaldi, was in exile for 15 years, and returned
to Chile committed to carrying on work in human rights, justice,
and the rule of law.
The public is invited to the free event. For
more information, contact Christine Devanney at (860) 297-2029.
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