Coup: Hundreds of Thousands Protest in Argentina on 50th Anniversary of Military Takeover

On March 24, 2026, hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Buenos Aires to condemn the 1976 military coup and the policies of President Javier Milei. This massive demonstration coincided with the 50th anniversary of Argentina’s last military coup, a significant date marked annually as the Day of Memory for Truth and Justice.

The day is a national holiday dedicated to honoring the estimated 30,000 people who were forcibly detained and disappeared during the dictatorship’s ‘Dirty War’. Human rights organizations have documented that at least 30,000 individuals were victims of enforced disappearances, while more than 10,000 political prisoners were taken during this dark period in Argentina’s history.

The slogan for the march, “Tell us where they are,” echoed the ongoing demand for truth regarding the fate of the victims, with demonstrators carrying photographs of thousands who vanished without a trace. This annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the dictatorship and the continued struggle for justice.

Many of the protesters were members of the Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, who have been at the forefront of the fight for human rights in Argentina since the end of the dictatorship. Their relentless pursuit of truth and accountability has kept the memory of the victims alive in the national consciousness.

During the dictatorship, thousands were forced into exile, and the scars of this violent past continue to affect Argentine society. The protests not only serve to remember those lost but also to challenge the current government’s policies, which some critics argue echo the authoritarianism of the past.

As the nation reflects on this pivotal moment in its history, the turnout at the protests underscores the deep-seated desire for justice and recognition of the past. The event also highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding President Javier Milei’s administration, which has faced criticism for its approach to human rights issues.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the government’s response to the protests, but further developments are anticipated as the anniversary of the coup continues to resonate within Argentine society.