Sunday, July 8, 2012

"13 de Marzo" Tugboat Massacre: Justice maybe delayed but it will not be denied

"Judgment for an evil thing is many times delayed some day or two, some century or two, but it is sure as life, it is sure as death!" - Thomas Carlyle

 37 identified victims of the July 13, 1994 "13 de Marzo" Tugboat Massacre
 This Friday will mark eighteen years that have passed since 37 men, women and children were massacred by agents of the Cuban government as they tried to find a better life in freedom. On the early morning hours of July 13, 1994 the "13 de Marzo" tugboat left Havana harbor bound for the United States only to be intercepted six miles from the Malecón by other tugs that rammed and sank it while being monitored by the Cuban coastguard.

 Over the past 18 years this day has been a time to remember and to organize actions for others to remember this crime and demand justice. This year is no different. On July 13, 2012 please join in the campaign over social media to tweet and post "13 de Marzo tugboat" or "Remolcador 13 de marzo" in Spanish along with links to videos and reports explaining and documenting the atrocity.

This is not about revenge. It is the pursuit of justice and truth through time which requires persistence and memory.

Useful video and links:



CUBA: The Sinking of the "13 de Marzo" Tugboat on 13 July 1994 / Amnesty International
https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR25/013/1997/en/0f6d3a5e-ea51-11dd-965c-b55c1122d73f/amr250131997en.html

REPORT Nº 47/96: CASE 11.436 VICTIMS OF THE TUGBOAT "13 DE MARZO" vs.CUBA October 16, 1996 / IACHR
http://www.cidh.org/annualrep/96eng/Cuba11436.htm

Cuba: Cuban authorities should lift threats against peaceful protesters / Amnesty International https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR25/032/1996/en/fc0ad8fb-eaf1-11dd-aad1-ed57e7e5470b/amr250321996en.html

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding us. I will be joining you in this campaign. We must never forget the victims of oppression and senseless violence not only for their sakes, but for our own, and that of future generations.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Memory and justice demand no less. Thank you for your thoughtful comment and leadership.

    ReplyDelete