Three decades after the discovery of the terror archives we recall the discovery experience from Martín Almada's own voice

Abstract

This is a presentation where Martín Almada narrates his political and academic experience that led him to discover one of the greatest dictatorial pacts: "Operation Condor". His activity as a defender of human rights and popular education in Latin America can be highlighted. Almada, originally from Paraguay, was persecuted and imprisoned due to his academic activities and his outspoken criticism of military dictatorships in the region. After being exiled to France, he worked with UNESCO and continued his work in defense of the popular majorities, especially in Africa. His research in Paris led him to the discovery of the Operation Condor archives, a pact between South American dictatorships to pursue and eliminate political opponents regardless of borders. This finding was crucial in exposing the atrocities committed by these regimes and earned him international recognition, including the Alternative Nobel Peace Prize. The presentation addresses the importance of the terror archive in understanding the extent of repression in Latin America, commenting on Almada's participation in the fight against impunity and for historical memory.