Introduction to the 17th Fiesta del Libro y la Rosa
The 17th Fiesta del Libro y la Rosa, commencing tomorrow at the Centro Cultural Universitario of UNAM as the main venue, will center around memory as one of its core themes. Under the slogan “Exilio, memorias y reencuentros,” this annual literary gathering will address various facets of the social preservation of records related to social struggles, their protagonists, displacements, and the resistance of indigenous peoples through their languages, among other topics encapsulated by the broad and valuable term: memory.
Alicia de los Ríos’ Discussion on the Fiesta del Libro y la Rosa
On Friday, April 15th, during the first day of the event, historian and researcher Alicia de los Ríos will engage in a conversation with journalist Marcela Turati, discussing the topic “Los vuelos de Alicia: búsqueda, lazos e investigación,” one of those crucial exercises for weighing the absence of individuals.
Alicia de los Ríos’ Personal Background and Her Mother’s Disappearance
Alicia de los Ríos Merino, mother of the researcher mentioned above and a militant of the Liga Comunista 23 de Septiembre, was forcibly disappeared in January 1978. Her daughter has dedicated her life, through her profession, to searching for clues about her mother’s whereabouts, amassing evidence, and uncovering leads regarding her fate. She suspects that her mother was one of the victims of Mexico’s so-called “dirty war” period, thrown into the sea during that time.
“I Began as a Searcher as a Child”
Alicia de los Ríos speaks with this newspaper about the decades-long struggle to gather information on her mother’s disappearance, the obstacles she has encountered along the way, and the importance of continuing to search, remember, and advocate for justice for those who are absent.
The Battle Against Time
Alicia acknowledges that the search for missing persons, and the truth surrounding their disappearances, is a battle primarily against time. As she explains, “The longer time advances, especially in cases of disappearances, the perpetrators die, but also witnesses and those searching for them.”
Alicia’s Journey as a Searcher and Advocate for Memory Preservation
Although Alicia did not know her mother, who was abducted when Alicia was 11 months old, she has become a witness to the early search efforts for missing persons in Mexico, particularly those disappeared due to political reasons. Over the course of her 48 years, she has not only fought for the right to truth and access to justice—neither of which have been guaranteed for families—but also witnessed battles for the preservation of memory regarding her relatives.
Institutional Barriers and the Importance of Archival Access
The most formidable obstacle for Alicia and countless families seeking victims of forced disappearance due to political motives is the absolute wall erected when investigations, conducted over decades by civilians searching for civilians, essentially require access to and examination of the Mexican Army’s records.
During the previous administration, the establishment of the Truth Commission was created, which included the Historical Clarification Mechanism. However, Alicia notes, “We thought there would be progress in politically motivated disappearance cases from the past. It was an interesting yet disappointing opportunity when we reached the point where investigations led to the Army, as it stalled due to either complicity or a fierce, even patriotic, defense of this institution.”
At that juncture, Alicia explains, relations with the relevant government authorities during the previous administration, starting with the Secretariat of Government, which oversaw the commission, became strained and aggressive, especially towards organizations representing some of the cases.
Persistence in the Face of Adversity
Despite this insurmountable challenge posed by time and institutional barriers, Alicia continues her search. She shares, “We have been conducting internal investigations at the Military Camp Number One and the Seventh Air Base, as these were the last places where her mother was seen alive. Since filing a complaint with the Fiscalía Especial para Movimientos Sociales y Políticos del Pasado (Femospp) in June 2002, we have requested access to both the camp and the base located in Pie de la Cuesta, Acapulco. Initially, we were denied entry due to national security concerns. However, after winning an amparo in October 2024, we gained access in September and conducted two intensive work sessions at both locations by December. We confirmed that the disappearance circuit cannot reach its truth without examining the Mexican Army’s archives.”
The Consequences of Historical Sealing
Alicia concludes by pointing out that, as a result of this historical sealing, the number of disappearance cases in Mexico has escalated from around a thousand to approximately 127,000 today. “This is a collective crisis of grave magnitude that demands equally serious solutions.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Alicia de los Rios? Alicia de los Ríos is a historian and activist who has dedicated her life to searching for her mother, who was forcibly disappeared in Mexico during the “dirty war” period.
- What challenges does Alicia face in her search? Alicia encounters significant obstacles, including the passage of time and institutional barriers, such as limited access to military records essential for understanding her mother’s disappearance.
- Why is preserving memory important to Alicia? Preserving memory is crucial for Alicia as it ensures that the stories and experiences of those who have been forcibly disappeared are not forgotten, advocating for justice and truth.
- What is the significance of the 17th Fiesta del Libro y la Rosa? This annual literary event focuses on memory preservation, addressing various aspects of social struggles, their protagonists, displacements, and indigenous resistance through languages.
